Tanzania’s marathon hero, Alphonce Simbu, has revealed that discipline, hard work, and unwavering dedication were the keys to his historic gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships recently held in Tokyo, Japan.
Simbu, the only Tanzanian athlete to clinch a gold medal at the global event, made history by outpacing competitors from several top-performing nations.
Speaking shortly after his arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Simbu encouraged fellow athletes to remain committed and not lose hope, emphasizing that perseverance is essential for achieving sporting dreams.
“For ten years, I have participated in championships like this without success, but I never gave up. I always believed that one day I would achieve my goal. Today, God has enabled me to fulfill my dream. This victory is the result of rigorous training, teamwork with fellow athletes, and constant dedication,” Simbu said.
He highlighted the importance of resilience, urging athletes not to allow discouragement to hinder their ambitions. “Athletes who stay disciplined and give their best can excel on any stage,” he added.
Simbu also expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her steadfast support of sports in Tanzania.
He noted that the incentives provided to footballers have motivated athletes across all disciplines to strive for excellence and represent the nation with pride.
He further thanked the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for providing adequate preparation time and approval for the national athletics team, a support that played a crucial role in boosting their morale ahead of international competitions.
Neema Msitha, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (BMT), described Simbu’s achievement as a major inspiration for young Tanzanians aspiring to pursue sports careers.
“This victory shows that nothing is impossible. Simbu’s dedication over the past ten years has borne fruit. On behalf of the government, we congratulate him for bringing home a gold medal from the World Championships. This is a moment of pride for all Tanzanians,” she said.
Simbu’s historic victory has been widely celebrated across the country, with citizens and sports enthusiasts hailing it as a milestone in Tanzania’s sporting history.
His achievement not only raises the nation’s profile on the global athletics stage but also motivates young athletes to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.