Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s long-distance runner Felix Simbu, who won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan, has revealed that it took him a decade of persistence to achieve the historic victory.
Simbu, who became Tanzania’s first-ever gold medalist at the World Championships, admitted he was overwhelmed when the news spread back home after his triumph in Japan.
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“It was not easy, but nothing is impossible. If athletes put in the effort, listen to their coaches, and maintain discipline, they will definitely succeed. For me, it took 10 years,” Simbu said.
The 32-year-old athlete traced his long journey in the sport, recalling the setbacks he faced before finally standing on top of the podium. “Before winning gold this year, I had participated many times but was not successful. The first time was in 2015 in England, where I failed. In 2017, I finished third in China, and in the Budapest competition I could not even finish,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Simbu said his determination never wavered, adding that each disappointment only strengthened his resolve to push forward. His perseverance culminated in a golden run in Japan, marking a milestone moment for both his career and Tanzanian athletics.
The marathoner urged fellow Tanzanian athletes to remain focused and committed in their pursuit of excellence, stressing that preparation is key. “I want to tell my colleagues to keep fighting because the opportunity to do well is there — the most important thing is preparation,” he added.
Simbu’s victory has been hailed as a turning point for Tanzania’s presence on the global athletics stage, inspiring a new generation of runners to aim for international success.
