Makwala Gears Up For Two Diamond League Finals
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 6, 2021 16:00
Makwala has been in good shape since last year when he was preparing for Olympics until a point when he qualified for the Games in both 200m and 400m. However, he decided to focus on the 400m at the Olympics and he was instrumental in the men’s 4x400m relay team win. He continues to prove his critics wrong who have been calling for his retirement. As it stands, he remains the strongest local athlete. He looks sharp and seems to have a lot more to offer from his legs.
Makwala will be competing in the men’s 200m and 400m finals. On Friday evening, Makwala was part of a strong field that was competing in the 400m in Brussels. He finished in the third position with a time of 44.83. Grenadian sprinter and world champion, Kirani James finished second clocking 44.51. The first position was claimed by American sprinter, Michael Cherry stopping the clock at 44.03 which was a meeting record (MR) and personal best (PB). He qualified for the 200m final last week.
His coach, Justice Dipeba had initially mentioned that he would like to see Makwala doing the 400m in the final. However, Makwala qualified for the World Athletics Championships at the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Athletes were gaining points in each leg of the Diamond League series for rankings. The Meet has been to other cities such as Paris, Lausanne and Oregon.
The winner of the Wanda Diamond League walks away with a diamond trophy, cash prize of US$30, 000 and a wild card for the 2021 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States. There is also cash prize for bottom positions: 2) US$12,000, 3) US$7,000, 4) US$4,000, 5) US$2,500, 6) US$2, 000, 7) US$1,500 & 8) US$1,000.