Carlie Makarawu Breaks Zimbabwe 200m Sprint Record at NCAA Championships
Tapiwanashe “Carlie” Makarawu broke the Zimbabwean 200m sprint record at the 2025 NCAA Championships, finishing in 19.84 seconds. His impressive performance not only secured a national title but also propelled him to second on the world rankings this year. Makarawu aims for further success at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
On March 15, during the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Tapiwanashe “Carlie” Makarawu sprinted to a remarkable time of 20.13 seconds in the 200 meters, earning gold and tying the Zimbabwean national record. Fast forward three months, and Makarawu was back on the track, ready for the challenge of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Competing from lane nine, Makarawu launched himself off the blocks, displaying electrifying speed through the curve. He faced a stiff challenge from fellow Zimbabwean Olympian Makanakaishe Charamba but ultimately crossed the finish line in an impressive 19.84 seconds, taking home the national title. This victory was surprising to many, especially since doubts lingered about his recovery from a recent injury suffered at the Tom Jones Memorial meet in April.
Makarawu’s time not only set a new personal best but also broke the previous school and national records. His new mark ranks him as the second fastest in the world this year, tied for the ninth-fastest time in NCAA history and positioning him as the seventh-fastest collegiate sprinter ever. As if this achievement wasn’t enough, he found himself at 11th place in all-time records across Africa, with this season’s outstanding performance still fresh in the minds of fans.
Charamba, racing with Auburn, finished closely behind Makarawu, running the race in 19.92 seconds. The two sprinters took the top two spots, showcasing Zimbabwe’s prowess in track athletics. Following them was Garrett Kaalund from USC, breaking the 20-second threshold for the first time with a solid 19.96 seconds to take third.
Just off the podium was Jordan Anthony, a former wide receiver and sprinter at Kentucky now competing for Arkansas, who secured fourth place in 20.01 seconds. The dual-sport athlete is continuing both his football and track careers following his transfer in 2022. Tennessee’s T’Mars McCallum, who began the season strongly, placed fifth with a time of 20.16 seconds.
In sixth place was Max Thomas from USC, finishing in 20.23 seconds. Following him were Xavier Butler of Texas at seventh with 20.39 seconds and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu of South Florida rounding out the race in 20.55 seconds.
By sweeping the event at Nationals this year, Makarawu contributed significantly with ten points to Kentucky’s team total, helping them tie for eighth with 22 total points. Looking ahead, Makarawu has his eyes set on the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Tokyo this September, where he will proudly represent Zimbabwe at a high level alongside some of the best athletes in the world.
In an exhilarating display of speed and resilience, Carlie Makarawu not only clinched the national title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships but also shattered records, showcasing his remarkable talent. Following his impressive performance, he has positioned himself as a key contender ahead of the World Championships. The next few months will be crucial as he represents both Kentucky and Zimbabwe on the global stage.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
