Malawi Olympic team has kick-started its training at Gloucestershire University in the United Kingdom, hoping to earn qualifying time for the ultimate 2012 London Olympic Games.
Team manager Jappie Mhango on Wednesday afternoon described the training start as positive for swimmers Joyce Tafatatha, Charlton Nyirenda (50 metres free style), and runners, Ambwene Simkonda (400 metres) and Mike Tebulo (marathon).
Marathon pacesetter is John Kayange. Coach Yona Walesi is leading the swimmers while Francis Munthali is taking care of the runners. Malawi athletes will likely participate in the games on solidarity if they do not meet the qualifying time.
“We received a hearty welcome with the vice-chancellor of the university as the guest of honour. The team is busy training at the high performance centre. Simkonda will participate in other qualifying races from this Saturday,” Mhango explained in a telephone interview.
According to the university’s website, Tafatatha and Nyirenda are excited to train in top-class facilities ahead of the games which gets underway on July 27.
The 23-year-old Nyirenda is arguably Malawi stand-out performer at the Olympic Games in recent years having managed to win a heat in 50 metres free style at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
