Alphonce Simbu: A Marathon Journey Toward Tanzania’s Historic Olympic Gold
By Kennedy Lucas
Tanzania Olympic history has remained one of a pride, but also a long standing hunger for greater success. So far, the nation has won only two silver medals at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, earned by Filbert Bayi and Suleiman Nyambui.
Bayi claimed silver in the 3000m with a time of 8.12.48, while Nyambui finished a second in the 5000m in 13.21.60, setting the foundation of Tanzania’s international athletics history.
The Rise of Alphonce Simbu
After many years of waiting, new hope was revived through Alphonce Simbu, who began showing his strength at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, where he finished 5th in the marathon with a time of 2:11:15, announcing himself on the global stage.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan, Simbu continued to establish himself among the world’s best, finishing 7th in 2:11:35, proving his consistency at the highest level.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics in France, he finished 14th in 2:10:03, but still remained among the elite marathon runners in the world.
The year 2025 became historic for Simbu after competing at the World Championships held in Tokyo, where he finished first in 2:09:48. That victory made him the first Tanzanian to win a gold medal at the World Championships, opening a new chapter in the country’s athletics history and raising huge hopes ahead of the Olympics.
Alphonce Simbu’s Road to Olympic glory
At the Boston Marathon in 2025, Simbu finished a second in 2:05:04, before improving further in 2026, when he gain finished second but set a personal best of 2:02:47, his fastest time to date.
These achievements continue to revive the legacy of Juma Ikangaa, who dominated the Boston Marathon for three consecutive years between 1988, 1989 and 1990, putting Tanzania firmily on the global long-distance running map.
Looking ahead the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the United States, Simbu has stated that his biggest dream is to win an Olympic gold medal. He says he is currently undergoing intense preparations and believes that discipline, hard work, and experience will take him to the very top of world athletics.
“My biggest dream is to win an Olympic gold medal. I believes that with hard work, discipline, and dedication, nothing is impossible”, Simbu said.
The President of Athletics Tanzania (AT), Rogath John Stephen, said Simbu has raised national hopes significantly, adding that Tanzania also has emerging athletes capable of winning medals in major competitions.
The Director of Makunduchi Villa Motel, Mohammed Haji “MO”, said Simbu is currently among the world’s top marathon runners.
‘With his discipline and determination, he has a strong chance to win an Olympic gold medal and make history for Tanzania”.
The Director of Ntua Communications Ltd, Moses Simon, said success comes only through hard work and discipline. He further emphasized that Ntua Communications Ltd is the company responsible for managing Simbu’s brand, image, and communication strategy, closely supporting his professional journey on and off the track.
“Success does not come without hark work. Simbu works extremely hard, which is why he is among the world’s best athletes. With his hunger for success, nothing is difficult for him”, he said.
For now, all ayes in Tanzania are on the Sydney Marathon in Australia this August, where Simbu is expected to compete as part of his preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
Simbu, who is a marathon runner from the Tanzania people’s Defence Forces (TPDF) and holds the rank of staff sergeant, is expected to use the race as a key test ahead of his Olympic ambitions.
