By NOEL IYOMBWA
ZAMBIA’S former 400 meters hurdles Olympic gold medallist Samuel Matete says there is a need for Olympic-bound athletes to be kept active through international competitions ahead of the Paris games.
In an interview with The Scoop, Matete said the sports federation, working with the Government, must ensure that Olympic-bound athletes were competing in ongoing competitions preceding the Paris games, as it would help them keep in shape.
Matete stated that it was high time Zambia returned to the podium at the Olympic games and made a statement that they were not pushovers but contenders to the coveted trophies and that this could only be achieved if the athletes were on top of their game through adequate preparations.
He said it is good that Zambian athletes were participating in the African Games just a few months before the start of the Olympic games, as this would help them stay fit for the Olympics.
“This is the time that our athletes should prepare adequately because most of the athletes around the world who are going for this tournament are busy preparing by competing.
“Competition is important to keep up with the time and to improve so that when you get in the game you get the medal,” Matete said.
Zambian athlete Muzala Samukonga was the first to qualify to the 2024 Paris Olympics games.
Samukonga achieved the milestone by finishing second in the 400 metre race at the Rabat Marrakech Diamond League in May this year.
The Zambian athlete clocked a remarkable time of 44.54 seconds. The Copper Queens are also representing the country at the Paris games.
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