At 33, it might be late for little-known Malawian runner, Peter Chiwaya, to make a name in South Africa where he is based.
But if his performances are anything to go by, he might, afterall, prove to be a late bloomer in the Rainbow Nation, where the likes of Henry Moyo are stars in long distance races.
Chiwaya burst onto the athletics’ scene in Eastern Cape Town, where he works, in 2015, after participating in the 68 kilometre Ultra Marathon.
“In the first race, I struggled because my spikes were too tight. Nonetheless, I clocked 7:10:19 and finished on position 107. In 2016, I took part in Buffs Marathon and clocked 3:35:08,” he explained.
“After picking a new job, the wife to my employer was happy and surprised to learn that I was an athlete. Her husband is also an athlete and, after buying me spectacles and spikes, I joined a club called Oxford Striders.”
Under the new employer, Chiwaya has participated in races such as the Sole Destroyer (21.1 kilometres) and finished on position 43.
“I am enjoying my career at the new club where I compete against top athletes such as Lusapo April. He is a top athlete and he recently competed in the Hannover Marathon in the United States,” said the man from Molele, T/A Changata, in Thyolo District.
Chiwaya said he was ready to represent Malawi in international competitions “but I am here to work and provide for my family, train hard and build my career.”
Chiwaya is yet to earn a podium finish in South Africa, but he considers competing against greats and representing Malawi in a foreign land as an achievement.
Athletics Association of Malawi General Secretary, Frank Chitembeya, during the week said they were not aware of Chiwaya’s exploits as he has not contacted the association.
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