Bindura University Athlete Carries Zimbabwe's Hopes to the World Under-20 Championships

Harare — When Anesu Nyahuma steps onto the iconic Hayward Field track in the United States of America, Eugene, as part of team Zimbabwe participating in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships running from the fifth to the ninth of August, 2026, she will be carrying much more than Zimbabwe's national colours.

The talented middle-distance runner from the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) National Sports Academy (NSA) will embody the academy's founding ambitions; identifying, nurturing and developing student-athletes capable of competing on the world's biggest sporting stages.

For the NSA, Nyahuma's qualification for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Oregon, represents years of deliberate investment in scientific coaching, structured athlete development and institutional support.

NSA Athletics Coach, Cuthbert Nyasango, described Nyahuma's selection as another milestone in the academy's growing legacy of producing elite athletes.

"I think it's a milestone for me also as a coach from the National Sports Academy," Nyasango said in an interview.

"We've been consistently sending athletes to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships since 2018, which is a sign that we are becoming a serial academy that produces elite athletes," he said.

National Sports Academy Athletics Coach, Cuthbert Nyasango. Image credit: BUSE NSA.

Coach Nyasango said the programme had demonstrated that Zimbabwe could systematically develop athletes capable of competing internationally rather than relying solely on natural talent.

"It is a great testament to the National Sports Academy project and the scientific approaches that we use in coaching, together with the support we receive from the university and our stakeholders," he said.

"The model that we are using is helping to produce quality athletes for the country.

"We hope the support will continue so that we produce more world-class athletes who will represent Zimbabwe with distinction," he added.

Nyahuma is among a talented Team Zimbabwe contingent competing at the championships in Oregon, with the BUSE athlete expected to feature in the mixed 4x400 metres relay alongside fellow athlete Nataly Shoko and two male sprinters selected from Nenyasha Chihora, Gift Khumalo, Kunashe Mafunga and Emmanuel Uriga.

Nyahuma (right) and another athlete from Team Zimbabwe preparing to depart from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for the US. Image credit: BUSE NSA

The relay team arrives at the championships motivated by gold medal success at the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) Under-18 and Under-20 Championships and carrying a season's best of 3 minutes 31.58 seconds.

Her participation formed part of Team Zimbabwe's official send-off ceremony, where athletics officials challenged the country's young athletes to compete fearlessly against the world's best.

National Athletes Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) Vice-President, Siphathisiwe Machaya, reminded the team that every performance would inspire countless young Zimbabweans dreaming of wearing the national colours.

"As you travel to the United States, remember that you will never walk on that track alone," Machaya said.

"With every stride you take, Zimbabwe runs beside you," she said.

Machaya urged the athletes not to be intimidated by the scale of the championship or the reputations of their competitors.

"You have earned your place among the world's best.

"Believe that, because you qualified to go there, so you are also among the world's best.

"Trust your training, trust your coaches and trust each other," she said.

National Athletes Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) Vice-President, Siphathisiwe Machaya.

She also acknowledged the role played by sponsors, coaches, parents and technical officials in making the team's participation possible, saying their support had invested not only in athletics but also in the dreams of Zimbabwe's youth.

Harare Athletics Board Chairperson, Cousinet Simunyu challenged the athletes to remember that they would be representing the entire nation.

"You are not going there to represent your school, your family or your province. You are going to represent Zimbabwe as a nation," she said.

"Oregon is not like White City or the National Sports Stadium, but those eight lanes are still the same," Simunyu said.

She urged the team to remain focused despite the excitement surrounding the global event.

Harare Athletics Board Chairperson, Cousinet Simunyu. Image credit: MegaClips Media (video screenshot).

"Trust in your preparation and seize this opportunity to demonstrate the strength and potential of Zimbabwean athletics on the international stage," she said.

NAAZ Youths Head Coach, Bright Nhubu, said the 2026 team had benefited from one of the best preparations ever assembled for a Zimbabwean junior athletics squad.

"I have travelled with Zimbabwe's Under-18 and Under-20 teams before, and they have never had such a special programme like this one," he said.

"The stage has already been set. There is nothing to fear," Nhubu said.

The squad Head Coach, Aaron Whyte, described the team's departure as the culmination of years of sacrifice by athletes, families and coaches.

"Today is not simply another event on our calendar. Today is the celebration of dreams realised," he said.

Zimbabwe Athletics Head Coach, Aaron Whyte. Image credit: NAAZ.

"It is the culmination of countless early mornings, demanding training sessions, sacrifices made by families, unwavering guidance from coaches and unshakeable belief that Zimbabwe belongs on the world stage," Whyte said.

Besides the mixed relay team, Zimbabwe will also be represented by SACA Under-20 high jump champion Tatenda Chindowa, highlighting the country's growing presence across multiple disciplines at the championships.

Zimbabwe team set to participate at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the USA. Image credit: Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.