Zambian sprinter – Muzala Samukonga reigned supreme in the men’s 400m race at the Golden Gala Diamond League in Rome, Italy on Friday, beating cult hero – Kirani James to finish first in 44.99 seconds.
The London 2012 Olympic champion – Kirani James gave the Birmingham Commonwealth Games gold medallist [Samukonga] a good chase, but the Zambian was grittingly powerful coming off the last bend onto the home straight as he sped to victory in another sub 44 showing.
Kirani James came second in 44.30 seconds whiles Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago finished third in 44.55 seconds.
Speaking in a post race interview, Samukonga who won bronze medal [400m] at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris noted how his whole life has changed within a year due to his exploits on the tracks:
“My life changed completely this year. It is hard to even explain this fully,” the 21-year-old Lusaka born sprinter said.
“I am recognizable in my home country now and it is not easy sometimes.”
He also touched on the pressure that comes with being famous.
“But you have to be strong enough as an athlete to deal with it.
“Not everyone is going to like you, it is normal. You just have to do what makes you happy.”
The 2022 African Championships gold medallist [Samukonga] want to have his day at this year’s Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium:
“The win at the Diamond League means a lot. Running sub-44 is not easy, you have to be at top level to do that.
“I still have the Diamond League final coming up. Anything is possible there. I do not want to say what I will do, I just want to run my best.”
By James K. Attaglo Wilson
