Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FAILURE at the biggest stage almost cost long-distance runner Rutendo Nyahora her life as she contemplated suicide after failing to finish the women’s marathon at the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris.
Despite being all set and in top form, Nyahora never imagined that her performance would turn out to be the complete opposite of what she had hoped for.
The women’s marathon at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was considered one of the most challenging races in the history of the event, with only 80 out of the 91 athletes who started the race managing to complete it.
Nyahora found herself struggling to keep up with the pace early on in the race.
As the race progressed, Nyahora’s energy levels began to wane, and she found it increasingly difficult to maintain her speed.
Despite her best efforts, she eventually had to drop out of the race, feeling devastated and defeated by her failure to finish.
It was Nyahora’s second appearance at the Olympic Games after having previously represented the country at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In Rio, she finished at position 92 out of 157 athletes.
“Going into the Olympics, I had high hopes, and it was my second marathon. Back then, I didn’t have much experience compared to the 2024 edition,” said Nyahora.
“I had exposure to good coaches, good training regimes, and I went to Paris injury-free. I had targets, and we thought everything was set.
“But before the Olympics, I had an injury that I healed from with the help of the ZOC. So, everything was okay. Even the day before the marathon, I was in fine condition, jogged with some Kenyans, and the lady from Uganda who passed away.
“But on the day, I didn’t know what happened. I just woke up with my body acting strange, and I thought may-be I was going to struggle for perhaps the first three kilometres of the race.
“But the more I kept going, I felt dizzy. But I don’t know; over the years I have been representing my country worldwide, and what happened in Paris shocked me.
“I almost killed myself as I was asking myself questions. I felt I embarrassed myself and the nation as well.
“Everything looked like drama, and I experienced depression. I had to then go for counselling and I was assisted,” said Nyahora.
The pressure to succeed at such a high-profile event had taken a toll on her mentally and emotionally, and she felt as though she had let down not only herself but also her country and her fans.
Fortunately, Nyahora was able to seek help and support from her coaches, teammates, and mental health professionals, who helped her through this difficult time. She eventually found the strength to move forward and continue pursuing her dreams.
daniel chigunwe
