Asimenye Simwaka finishes 2nd in 400m women’s B-race
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) athlete Asimenye Simwaka made an impressive debut at the Golden Grand Prix when she finished second in women’s 400m B-race in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday.
Simwaka clocked 52.28 behind Rhoda Njobvu of Zambia, who clocked 51:96
Overall, Simwaka finished on position seven while Mary Moraa of Kenya won the event after clocking 50:44.
South Africa’a Miranda Coetzee finished second with 51:44 while Jamaican Candice McLeod ended third with 51:17.
Simwaka, who fell short of her personal best record, said she would work hard to continue raising Malawi’s flag.
“I am happy with my performance despite being a seasonal opener,” she said.
Her coach Pachisi Nyasulu said it was a good start to the season for Asimenye.
“It is a very good time as she is opening the season. Last year, when she was opening the season, she started with 53:54 and this start is good for her. We are just hoping that she will continue doing well. I have a feeling that when we correct the areas that she did not do well in, she will definitely do better. We want her to get at least 51:01. Asimenye is ready to make Malawi proud,” he said.
Simwaka was invited to participate, having finished sixth during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 400m.
