Veteran athletics trainer Rogath John Stephen Akhwari (pictured, right) has been elected President of the Tanzania Athletics Federation (TAF) during general elections held in Mwanza, last week.
Akhwari, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Arusha Regional Athletics Association and coach of the police team, secured victory with 27 votes against his opponent, Nsolo Mulongo, who obtained 20 votes. The elections attracted 49 delegates.
He will serve a four-year term, with the option of seeking re-election. Akhwari succeeds Angellus Likwembe, who opted not to contest again.
Delegates also elected Jackson Ndaweka as Vice-President. Ndaweka, a former TAF Secretary-General, won convincingly with 39 votes against Baraka Sulus, who managed 10. Other members elected to the Executive Committee include Andrew Rhobi, Luiza John, Alfredo Shahanga, Ibrahim Kwitenga and Michael Panga.
The newly appointed head of the Tanzania Athletics Federation (TAF) is the son of John Stephen Akhwari (pictured), the legendary marathoner who left an indelible mark at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
During the marathon, Akhwari struggled with severe cramps caused by the city’s high altitude. At the 19-kilometre mark, while jostling for position, he was knocked down, badly injuring his shoulder and dislocating his knee. Despite the excruciating pain, he refused to quit.
Akhwari came in last, crossing the line after 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 27 seconds – long after the medals had been awarded. By then, the stadium was nearly empty and dusk had fallen. When later asked why he had continued despite his injuries, Akhwari gave an answer that has since become immortal in Olympic history:
“My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”
