Dar es Salaam athletics officials have introduced strict performance benchmarks that athletes must meet during this week's trials as the region seeks to field a highly competitive team for the National Athletics Championships scheduled for July 3-4 at Filbert Bayi School in Coast Region.
The Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA) announced that athletes' performance times will be the primary criterion for selecting the regional team, a move aimed at ensuring only the best performers earn places in the squad.
Selection trials will be held on June 13 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, bringing together athletes from across the city to compete for slots in the Dar es Salaam team.
DAA Secretary General Felix Chunga said the association had established qualifying standards for each event to strengthen the region's medal prospects at the national championships.
“The objective is to identify athletes who can compete effectively at the national level and challenge for medals. The qualifying times will help us select the strongest possible team,” Chunga told The Respondent Online on Monday.
He stressed that the introduction of performance benchmarks should not discourage participation, noting that all athletes are welcome to take part in the trials.
“Every athlete has an opportunity to compete. Those who meet or come close to the required standards will be considered for selection. We encourage all athletes to participate and showcase their abilities,” he said.
Under the men's category, athletes are expected to clock 10.52 seconds in the 100 metres, 21.23 seconds in the 200 metres, 49.50 seconds in the 400 metres, 1:50.58 in the 800 metres, 3:48.4 in the 1,500 metres and 14:16 in the 5,000 metres.
For women, the qualifying standards have been set at 13.14 seconds in the 100 metres, 24.26 seconds in the 200 metres, 60.70 seconds in the 400 metres, 2:15.2 in the 800 metres, 4:15.2 in the 1,500 metres and 16:17 in the 5,000 metres.
The trials are expected to attract some of Dar es Salaam's leading athletes as well as emerging talents seeking to earn a place in the regional team.
Athletics officials believe the performance-based selection system will not only improve competitiveness within the squad but also enhance Dar es Salaam's chances of securing a strong medal haul at the national championships next month.
