Tanzania Shines in Brazil as JKT Athletes Dominate Maratona FMO International Race
Tanzanian athletes have continued to raise the country’s flag high internationally after producing impressive performances at the Maratona FMO international long-distance race held in Brazil, securing top positions against competitors from different countries around the world.
In the competition, Tanzania’s National Service (JKT) athletes, Private Michael Sanga and Private Charles Sulle, delivered outstanding performances by finishing in the top two positions in the men’s category. Michael Sanga emerged the winner after clocking 2:14:32 while Charles Sulle finished second in 2:14:45, giving Tanzania dominance in the race.
In the women’s category, Tanzanian athlete Vaileth Kidasi continued to prove her class after finishing first with a time of 2:44:00 while Natalia Sulle secured second place after clocking 2:48:00, adding more success for Tanzania in the international event.
Speaking after arriving back in the country, Private Michael Sanga said the competition was very tough, especially from Kenyan athletes who showed strong performances, but discipline, hard work and proper preparations helped them secure victory for Tanzania.
On his part, Private Charles Sulle said the support they received from their leaders, coaches and JKT played a huge role in their success, adding that respecting coaches and following training instructions has been the secret behind their strong performances in international competitions.
“I would like to thank JKT leaders for the support they continue to provide to us as soldier-athletes. We get enough time for training and preparations, something that helps us represent Tanzania well in international athletics,” said Sanga.
Speaking while welcoming the athletes at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Athletic Tanzania (AT) President Rogath John said the achievements show how Tanzania continues to make major progress in athletics, noting that the number of athletes attaining qualifying standards for major world competitions continues to increase.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of 833KJ JKT Oljoro, Major Masangara Maro, said the reception was part of motivating the athletes to continue performing well internationally while highlighting that the huge investment being made in athletics within JKT is continuing to produce positive results.
On his side, Sports and Culture Officer of 833KJ, Major Eliudi Mwandi, said the achievements prove that Tanzania has a huge pool of athletics talent that needs continued support through better training environments and international exposure.
JKT athletics team coach Andrew Panga said the success resulted from the athletes’ hard work and commitment to following their training programs, adding that international competition requires discipline, endurance and long-term preparation to achieve major results.
