Zambia’s 4x400m relay team reaches Paris 2024 final, hopes for another medal

Team Zambia’s 4×400 meter relay team has advanced to the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, securing the second-fastest time overall with a clocking of 3:00.08 in Heat 1.

This marked a historic moment as it is the first time a Zambian relay team has competed in the Olympic final since 1988.

The team, consisting of bronze medalist Muzala Samukonga, Patrick Nyambe, Kennedy Luchembe, and David Mulenga, finished fifth in their heat, but their time was sufficient to qualify for the final.

Botswana won the heat with a time of 2:57.76, followed by Great Britain in second place with 2:59.15.

The United States took third place, and Japan finished fourth.

Assistant Coach Kezzias Nyendwa emphasized the need for the team to shift their mentality ahead of the final.

He acknowledged that stage fright might have affected their performance, as many athletes have not previously competed in such a large crowd.

Nyendwa expressed optimism about the final, stating, “We are very excited because it’s the first time Zambia has reached the finals at the Olympics since independence. We do not want to finish last; we aim to be first.”

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