At 50, woman defies odds to compete at elite sport...

At 50, woman defies odds to compete at elite sports level

Patience Muchemwa

After a 31-year hiatus from the track and having borne 12 children during the absence, a determined Masvingo rural woman has decided to defy the odds and take up the sport of athletics, albeit at competitive levels.

Fifty-year-old Anivar Nyamande, who niched personal history by running long distance races in the 1990s at secondary school level, has confirmed she is now back after the lengthy break.

Nyamande recently participated at the Beitbridge Anti-Litter Marathon and won a gold medal and the accompanying prize money of R1 200.

She confirmed that she is back for glory and is ready for any race which may come up.

The quinquagenarian said in an interview with Zim Now: “I am ready for any race coming up but I need a sponsor for athletics kits and funds for travelling.

“I missed a race which was in Bulawayo because I had no money to travel.”

Nyamande said that she left athletics soon after she finished secondary school level as she had married into an apostolic sect family where women are especially discouraged from taking part in sport.

Having given birth to 12 children - six of them have since passed on - she is also a grandmother.

At secondary level in 1990, Nyamande participated in many tournaments which include the 5km Stopover Marathon from which she got a certificate for the first position.

She also took part in the Dairiboard 11km race and she got a certificate and a gold medal, Temeria Mashava 5km Marathon and she got a certificate for the first position.

In 1991, Nyamande represented Masvingo Province in the high schools’ provincial competitions at the National Sports Stadium and she got a silver medal, a certificate and prize money. In the same year, she participated at the Masvingo Holdings Marathon and got a certificate for the first position and prize money.

“I will be so grateful if I can get a sponsor because it has always remained my wish to pursue my athletics career and make a livelihood for both me and my children through the use of my talent.”