Tanzanian sprinters are making strides in the 2025 season, with emerging talents showcasing their speed across local and regional tracks. Athletes from Dar es Salaam and Arusha are training hard as of June 12, 2025, aiming to break records and gain international recognition due to increased focus on sprinting development. This surge comes as the country seeks to diversify its athletic reputation beyond long-distance running.
Rising Sprinters to Watch
The 2025 season has spotlighted several Tanzanian sprinters with potential to break records. Based on recent performances, here are the key names:
- Jamal Salum – 100m specialist, ran 10.15 seconds at the Dar es Salaam Championships on May 15, 2025.
- Amina Juma – 200m runner, achieved 22.89 seconds at the Arusha Regional Meet on June 1, 2025.
- Hassan Mkwawa – 400m athlete, recorded 45.32 seconds at the same Arusha event.
- Fatuma Mohamed – 100m hurdler, cleared 13.10 seconds in Dar es Salaam on May 20, 2025.
Training camps in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, active since April 2025, are focusing on speed and technique. The Tanzania Athletic Federation reports a 25% increase in sprinting participants this year, reflecting growing interest and investment.
Performance Insights and Expert Views
Jamal Salum’s 10.15-second 100m time is close to the national record of 10.06 set in 2019, sparking excitement. Amina Juma’s 22.89 in the 200m and Hassan Mkwawa’s 45.32 in the 400m show promise, while Fatuma Mohamed’s 13.10 in the hurdles marks her as a rising star. These times were recorded during competitive meets attended by over 1,500 spectators.
Coach Zablon Mwambingu said, “Our sprinters are showing great potential, and with proper support, they can challenge regional records.” Athlete Amina Juma added, “Training with top coaches has boosted my confidence to aim for international meets.”
Tanzania’s sprinting scene is evolving, building on a legacy where long-distance runners like Alphonce Simbu dominated. The shift toward sprints began in 2023 with new coaching programs, supported by a Tsh150 million (£495,000) investment.
Current Records and Progress
Here’s a comparison of current performances against existing records:
| Event | Athlete | 2025 Time | National Record | Record Holder | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | Jamal Salum | 10.15s | 10.06s | Zakaria Ngailo | 2019 |
| 200m | Amina Juma | 22.89s | 22.45s | Saada Mnyika | 2018 |
| 400m | Hassan Mkwawa | 45.32s | 44.89s | Filbert Bayi | 1976 |
| 100m Hurdles | Fatuma Mohamed | 13.10s | 12.95s | Zainab Msumari | 2020 |
At 12:18 AM CEST on June 12, 2025, preparations are underway for the National Championships in July, where new records could emerge. The focus on younger athletes, with 30 under-20 sprinters training, signals a bright future.
Context and Historical Shift
Tanzania has long been known for marathon runners like Juma Ikangaa, but sprinting has gained traction since the 2023 East African Championships. New facilities, including a refurbished track in Dar es Salaam opened in March 2025, and international coaching exchanges are driving this change. The Tanzania Olympic Committee aims to qualify sprinters for the 2028 Olympics, marking a strategic pivot.
This year’s progress follows a 2024 pilot program that trained 15 sprinters, with four qualifying for regional meets. The growing popularity, boosted by local media coverage, is inspiring more youth to join.
Looking Ahead
Tanzanian sprinters are on the cusp of breaking records, with the National Championships offering a key opportunity. Fans can anticipate more breakthroughs as the country invests in sprinting talent for global success.
