Cuthbert Nyasango Biography | Background, Age, Wife, Education, Career as a Runner, Career as a Coach
This is the biography of Cuthbert Nyasango, a retired Zimbabwean long-distance runner who is currently working as an athletics coach.
Background
Cuthbert Nyasango was born in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, in a family of six. He spent much of his childhood in Chirarwe Village. Tragically, his father passed away when Nyasango was in grade five.
Age
Cuthbert Nyasango was born on September 17, 1982.
Wife
Cuthbert Nyasango is married to Faith, who is also an athlete.
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Education
Nyasango was identified by coach Benson Chauke at Kuwadzana High School while in Form Three. Initially reluctant, Nyasango was encouraged to participate in sporting activities due to school requirements. Over time, he adapted and represented his school in various competitions, including the Dairibord Cross Country Championships. His success in these events helped him support his mother and siblings financially.
A significant turning point in his career was qualifying for the World Junior Championships, which conflicted with his Ordinary Level exams. He chose to compete in the championships in Chile, a decision he does not regret despite having to retake his Ordinary Levels the following year.
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Career
Nyasango competed for Zimbabwe at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he finished seventh in the marathon with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 8 seconds. He also served as the flag bearer for Zimbabwe at the Closing Ceremony on August 12, 2012. His performance at these Games is the best finish by a Zimbabwean marathon runner at the Olympics as of August 2024.
In 2015, Nyasango finished 15th at the World Championships in Beijing. He also competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics but finished 58th. After an injury in the 2017 World Championships, he chose not to undergo surgery despite medical recommendations.
Nyasango has represented Zimbabwe in multiple World Cross Country Championships, World Championships, and the Olympics. He spent much of his career competing in Europe and pacing top races such as the London Marathon. He was managed by Julia Garcia Fernandez after being introduced by Abel Chimukoko.
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Career as a Coach
After retiring from competitive running, Nyasango became an athletics coach at Bindura University of Science Education under the National Sports Academy. In 2022, he enhanced his coaching qualifications by attending the World Athletics Level Two coaching course.
In 2017, he was appointed as a clean sport ambassador by the Africa Zone Six Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO). Cuthbert Nyasango worked with 200m sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu for three years before Makarawu moved to the United States. Makarawu represented Zimbabwe in the 2024 Paris Olympics finishing 6th.
