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The Rhodesia Herald, December 4, 1969
RICHARD BLUMBERG has seen Artwell Mandaza and is wildly enthusiastic about this young African sprinter’s potential — as a 400 metres HURDLER.

Mandaza has been given many names since he ran the fastest 100-metre time yet recorded by a Rhodesian.
His time of 10,3 seconds for the distance has brought upon him names such as the “Mangula Meteor”.
But Rhodesia’s new national athletics coach feels that Mandaza could be a brilliant 400-metre hurdler.

“He reminds me of an American Olympic star Tommy Smith in every way: his build, style and looks. But he will never be a sprinter of world class” said Blumberg.

“To be a world class sprinter one needs to have absolutely everything — speed out of the blocks, good speed and a strong finish.
“I don’t think Mandaza will ever have all these in the quantity needed for a world record. But he has the potential of becoming a record holder over 400 metres of hurdles. And certainly could be in international class for a 400-metre sprint.”
Potential

“With his combination of speed and strength he should do extremely well and I wouldn’t be surprised if he should crack Gert Potgieter’s world time for the hurdles,” said Blumberg.

Blumberg was speaking of Mandaza’s potential after watching the Rhodesian sprinter champion do 10,6 seconds on a first outing in a Mashonaland League meeting.

The national coach followed this up with a visit to the northern Mashonaland mines at Mangula and Alaska where he coached the African athletes over a week.

“Mandaza himself is keen and ready to go for the hurdles event and is already showing the class needed to go straight to the top.”

LESSONS FOR TODAY

• No challenges are insurmountable and Mandaza’s refreshing tale, from humble beginnings in Mhangura to becoming the fastest athlete this country has ever produced, bears testimony that virtually all hurdles can be cleared.
• There is no substitute to hard work. Rewards come to those who chase their dreams, without worrying about our backgrounds and, as long as someone is focused, they will get the due rewards.
• Life is about defying the odds, going the extra mile, pushing the boundaries and embracing any expertise, which others can bring along the way, to help us improve, in whatever we are doing, and it’s not about how we started, but how we finish the journey.

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