By GODFREY DUBE | TIMES OF ZAMBIA
In the unforgiving realm of track and field, the path to athletic excellence isn't etched in perfection but defined by the unwavering spirit to conquer adversity. For athletes like Muzala Samukonga, the journey is a testament to resilience, transcending beyond the finish line.
From facing unforeseen hurdles on the eve of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Samukonga ended Zambia’s medal drought at the Olympic Games.
Pursuing true success in athletics often goes unnoticed beneath the glittering medals and triumphant podium moments. It's a narrative woven with pain, frustration, and the looming spectre of career-threatening injuries. Samukonga's story epitomizes this struggle, a saga that unfolds beyond the accolades.
In the throes of recovery, Samukonga didn't merely confront physical pain; he grappled with the psychological toll of setbacks. In a world that clamours for victories, the narrative of slow progress and occasional stumbling blocks often fades into the background. Yet, it is precisely within these moments that an athlete's character and passion are laid bare.
Amidst the shadows of doubt, Samukonga's determination emerged as a beacon. His journey exemplifies the raw, unfiltered reality of athletes who battle not only their opponents on the track but also the internal demons of frustration and disappointment.
Injuries, an inevitable companion for high-calibre athletes, became a crucible that tested Samukonga's mettle. Whether facing a swift recovery or enduring a prolonged hiatus, each step mirrored his unwavering commitment to the sport he loved.
Samukonga's setbacks are not a stain on his career but rather brushstrokes that paint a nuanced portrait of his perseverance. It's a canvas where frustration is acknowledged, progress is celebrated, and setbacks become stepping stones to renewed glory.
As the world watches, Samukonga's journey reflects the human spirit's indomitable will, proving that true champions are forged not just in victory but in the crucible of adversity. Amid pain and frustration, Samukonga stands tall, a testament to the resilience that defines athletes on their arduous path to greatness.
Described as an unidentified flying object during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Samukonga was born on December 9, 2002, in Lusaka’s Ngombe Township.
Born in a family of seven, Samukonga is the first-born. He started his school at Chamba Valley Primary School where he had to cross neighborhood streets daily to and from school. Just like many other kids in the ghetto, he played football but would excel in athletics.
His athletics career began when he enrolled as a schoolboy at Munali Secondary School. He excelled in every sprinting contest and was later identified by national selectors and drafted into the Zambia junior athletics national team.
Muzala’s career success started in 2022, when he won a gold medal at the senior African Championships in Mauritius before being crowned Commonwealth 400m Champion in Birmingham with a record time of 44:66, beating England's Hudson Smith.
The 44:66 seconds made Samukonga become the new national record holder beating Olympian Samuel Matete, who held the record for 28 years.
In 2023, Samukonga started the season strong and competed in different meets until he broke his record when he won the Botswana Grand Prix with a record time of 43:91 seconds.
He went on to make his debut appearance in the Diamond League, where he finished second behind World record holder Wayde Van Niekerk before he won the Kip Kieno Classic record with a time of 44:25, beating Vernon Norwood from the United States of America.
The in-form Samukonga would then go on to win the Golden Spike Race World Athletes Continental Tour with a time of 45:05 seconds.
Then came the unthinkable when he limped out of the Silesia Wanda Diamond League 400m race after he suffered a torn muscle.
It was after just 100m and rounding the first bend, that Muzala limped, clutching the hamstring before burying his head in his hands and limping off the track in tears.
At this stage, the famous quote; “Strength shows not only in the ability to persist but in the ability to start over” comes in. No athlete is tested until they have experienced an injury in the face and come out on the other side stronger than ever".
Samukonga recalls: “I felt bad. I was frustrated because of the obstructions to my progress and angry at the limitations that come with injuries. Having that injury caused me to reflect on why I am willing to push my body to its limits, why I am willing to sacrifice my comfort, and whether it's all worth it. I told myself this one was for the days I kept measuring myself against my peak performances and that this was for the days when my mental battles were even harder than my physical battles.”
The injury meant the Zambian speedster was to withdraw from competing in the World Championships as it was impossible to recover within a month.
Asked how he felt, Samukonga said “I was hurt, but everything happens for a reason. The healing process was not an easy thing, to be honest. It was more painful than the injury itself. I can't compare it to anything, and I wouldn't wish to pass through that pain again. I had to endure 24 injections, that's like four injections every day.
I almost gave up, but I realized I was born to run. Quitting would be a sin, knowing God chose the running track for me. I told myself I was a beast and my comeback would be stronger than my setbacks. I had the phobia of sprinting, but with time it disappeared”.
The redemption process....
2024 began with the reigning Commonwealth champion making his first international appearance at the All-Africa Games where he settled for a silver medal after clocking 45.37 seconds. He later guided Zambia’s 4x400m relay team to a gold medal at the same Games.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Samukonga ended Zambia's 28-year Olympic drought with a historic bronze to become only the nation’s third person to win a medal at the biggest sporting event in the world.
Samukonga made a late final push from fifth on the final bend to third at the finish line to mint a priceless Bronze to edge out Jereem Richards and Grenada's Kirani James, who beat him in the semifinals and had to settle for 5th.
He described this achievement as iconic and a testament to his patriotism to the country.
“Ending Zambia’s 28-year medal drought at the Olympics was a priceless moment. It was iconic, and I will forever cherish the achievement. The bronze medal is for every Zambian who believed in my capabilities. The truth is, it is the beginning of many more accolades to come. I dedicate it to my family and all Zambians,” Samukonga said.
"The pain I felt during my healing process is what changed my mentality and told me to take things personally every time. I have given the world a reason to remember my name. God doesn’t choose who to bless. It doesn’t matter the time or season. When God says yes, no one can say no. Not even yourself. I will forever be grateful to God for giving me the talent and opportunity to inspire the next generation.”
Asked how he has managed to handle fame and continue performing on the track, Samukonga said: “It’s about knowing where you come from and what you need to achieve in life. I have a lot of people that look up to me. I am the firstborn, and that means I have a lot of responsibilities.
I have youngsters that look to me, and I have to lead by example. I have to do the right things being a role model."
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This feature article was originally published in the Times of Zambia on Sunday 22nd September 2024.
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