Hailing from Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare, Rutendo Nyahora has become a force to be reckoned with on the South African running scene. George Sithole caught up with her.
Known affectionately by her peers as The Lioness, Rutendo has represented several prestigious running clubs including Harmony Running Club, Nedbank Running Club, and Xcel. In 2023, she joined Hollywood Athletics Club.
“I was overwhelmed and excited when I received a call from Baba Shandu (Morgan Shandu), inviting me to join the Purple Family. What melted my heart was the word family. I realised it wasn’t just a running club, but a true family which is especially important to me because I stay so far from home,” she shared.
Rutendo has been running for over two decades. Her journey began in 2000 with track and cross-country at junior level. Her first road race was a 10km event in Zimbabwe in 2003, in which she won the junior prize money. That victory was a defining moment in her career. She recalls using the prize money to buy bread for her family, and the joy on her mother’s face remains etched in her memory.
“That day changed everything. I realised running could change my life and my family’s. It wasn’t just a sport, but a potential source of income,” she reflected.
Rutendo’s motivation has always been rooted in uplifting her parents and securing a better future. “Running helped me build a house for my parents and one for myself. Knowing that my country is proud of me keeps me going. I’ll continue to fly the flag high,” she proudly stated.
Known simply as “Ru” to her supporters, Rutendo has competed in countless races favouring the 10km and 42km distances. She represented Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games in the Marathon, a testament to her elite status in the sport. When asked how many races she has won between the 10km and 21km distances, she laughed and said, “I don’t know maybe over a hundred.”
Her positive energy and determination have made her a standout performer for the Purple Team. “My standout moment as a Hollywood AC elite athlete was at last year’s African Bank Soweto Marathon. I placed 7th overall after just five weeks of training, following a six-month injury. That was huge for me.” She said when asked about her standout performance for the Purple Team.
Rutendo is the embodiment of an African Queen balancing the roles of motherhood, elite athlete, and role model. She credits her sister as a critical part of her support system, helping care for her child while she trains and competes.
“It’s not easy, but I’m grateful for my family’s support and for Babu ’Shandu. Morgan Shandu truly understands his athletes, and that makes Hollywood AC feel like home.”
Rutendo has indeed found a home away from home with the Purple Team. With her talent, resilience, and deep-rooted motivation to provide a better life for herself and her loved ones, there’s no doubt we’ll see much more from this remarkable African Queen
