Zimbabwe sprinter off to South Africa for olympic training

ZIMBABWE top sprinter Sandra Chimwaza is set to leave for the High Performance Center in Pretoria, South Africa on Monday as she strives for an A Standard qualification time of the women's 100 meters in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Chimwaza, who performed below expectations at the All-Africa Games in Algeria last year, said she was now focused on clipping off a few seconds on her B Standard time of 11.32 seconds ahead of the Beijing Games, according to Friday's The Herald.

"I have qualified for the Olympic Games with a B Standard time, but this is not good enough for me to challenge for a medal at the Games," she said.

"I need to attain an A standard which is below 11,31 seconds and I am sure I will achieve that time during the six-month period at the High Performance Center."

One of Zimbabwe's top male sprinters Talk more Nyongani, who is currently at the High Performance Center in Pretoria, has recommended Chimwaza.

"There are good facilities in South Africa and I am going to train with the Price Athletics Club during my stay at the centre," she said.

Chimwaza said she will also participate in races in Europe as part of her efforts to clock a better time.

"Although I will be based in South Africa, I will be going to Europe for further training and races, especially in the Netherlands," she said.

Chimwaza was a flop at the All-Africa Games when a lot was expected of her in Algeria. But the athlete has since blamed the poor traveling arrangements, which saw the team being stranded in Italy for two days on their way, for her poor show.

"We could not get connecting flights and it was impossible for me to do well since I had been affected psychologically by the delay. I only arrived on the day of the race and had to go to track without any rest. That is why I performed badly," she said.

The 100m and 200m specialist will be going to South Africa courtesy of a sponsorship deal with local coach builders AVM Africa.

Source:Xinhua