Star aims for celestial heights

Patience Muchemwa

Zim Now Reporter

Chegutu-born marathon runner Star Shayamano has come a long way since discovering his passion for athletics. “At a very young age of 15, I knew what I really wanted was to be a professional runner,” says Star.

Raised in Harare, Star Shayamano’s passion was ignited by watching local marathons, where he picked the dedication and tenacity of the best runners.

In the beginning he was humbled. “I used to watch people running in local marathons, and I decided to enter the races. It wasn’t easy because I had women running faster than me. I then found a coach, Collen Makaza, and he trained me, and I started enjoying each and every bit of my running.”

Shayamano’s success in athletics is a testament to the power of support and mentorship. South Africa coach Cecil Roffey, not only provided training but also offered Star a job and a place to live, a lifeline that paved the way for more opportunities to come.

Saucony South Africa then stepped in, offering him sponsorship, which further propelled his career. Star recognises that these mentors whose support was pivotal in his journey, each one opening a door that led him closer to realising his dreams.

Despite his undeniable talent and passion for athletics, Shayamano’s path towards greater success is being hindered by the challenging reality of securing sponsorship. Without the necessary financial support, he struggles to participate in major European marathons like Berlin or Rotterdam, depriving him of the chance to reach his true potential.

For Star, this roadblock presents a frustrating setback that he is determined to overcome, knowing that with proper training and opportunity, he can push himself beyond the 210 marathon threshold, a significant milestone in longdistance running.

He keeps his spirits high by believing that one day, his efforts will be rewarded with new opportunities. He remains hopeful that he will find the support he needs to achieve his goals, never losing sight of his dream to excel in athletics.

Star Shayamano’s impressive running career shines with a variety of victories, including the Ommidraal and Friends 10k (1st place), Tygerbeg 30k (3rd place), Slave Route 21k (2nd place), Gugs 10k (3rd place), Century City 10k (3rd place), Langa 10k (3rd place), Avbob 15k (1st place), Melkbos 15k (48:10), Dunluyt 15k (1st place), and Absa Cape Town 10k (30:09). Shayamano’s advice for aspiring athletes is simple yet powerful: “Establish a vision, seek mentors and coaches, work diligently and intelligently, stay resilient in the face of setbacks, foster relationships with those around you, and always remember to rely on faith.

With these tenets, any runner can take the first steps towards achieving greatness in the world of athletics.”

Shayamano believes that Zimbabwean athletics has room for significant growth. He advocates for increased prize money, more frequent competitions, and longer cross-country and track seasons.

He proposes establishing track grounds in various regions of the country to provide greater access to resources and opportunities for aspiring athletes, with the aim of fostering a thriving culture of athletics in Zimbabwe.

“We still need to improve in athletics as a country in so many areas. Let me start with prize money it’s too little, we don’t have enough events around the country it’s maybe one race a month and trust me we don’t improve with limited events .

“Athletes need to race every two weeks to be able to test their endurance. Our cross-country season is a robbery. We need to have at least four months of cross racing, same as track racing.

“We should have a vast number of track grounds around the country, in places such as Chitungwiza, Budiriro, Mbare, Kwekwe. Gweru, Masvingo track grounds should be everywhere.”

Throughout his athletic career, Star Shayamano has represented three notable running clubs: Nedbank, Century City, and Atlantic Athletic Club, all of which have played a part in shaping his journey as an athlete.

His current affiliation with Edgeamed Running Club continues to provide him with the support and resources necessary to excel in his sport, as he pushes forward in pursuit of his athletic goals.

Shayamano draws inspiration from the unwavering teamwork and dedication of the cycling team Jumbo-Visma, a beacon of excellence that fuels his ambition in athletics.

“My best role model is not a runner but a Cycling team Called Jumbo Visma.” Beyond his accomplishments in Athletics, Shayamano is a devoted family man married to Tanaka Deoleen Maguwu and proud father to their daughter, Ruth.

His role as a husband and father brings joy and balance to his life, while his work as a running shoe specialist allows him to share his expertise and passion for athletics with others.