For more than a decade, Ananias Shikongo has been one of Namibia’s most celebrated Paralympians, collecting medals, breaking records, and inspiring a generation with his speed on the track.
On Wednesday, the Troublemaker, as he is affectionately known by his supporters, competed in the mixed T11/12 100 metre (m) race at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games but fell short of reaching the final.
In an interview with Nampa after the race, Shikongo and his long-time guide, Even Tjiuiju, showed that their greatest victory may lie beyond the finish line, as competing in a mixed classification race was a tough challenge from the start.
“It was not a very easy race. It was a mixed T11 and T12 class, so we came prepared. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the final,” he said.
Having worked together since 2009, the duo has become one of Namibia’s most successful athlete-guide partnerships. Just days after celebrating his 40th birthday, while in Glasgow, Scotland, Shikongo knows his career is entering a new chapter.
“We have been doing this since 2009 up to now. We are pushing, but we are also getting older. For the youngsters, we want to start recruiting new guys. There must be another Ananias to leave a legacy for LA 2028,” Tjiuiju said.
Rather than dwelling on disappointment, both men spoke passionately about giving back to the next generation of Paralympic athletes.
Shikongo revealed that he had arrived at the Commonwealth Games hoping to defend his title, but a hamstring injury suffered in his previous race proved too much to overcome.
“I wanted to come and defend my title, but before this race, I picked up a hamstring injury. I thought I could make it, but it was still hurting, and I didn’t go through to the final,” he said.
The veteran sprinter said he is now going to take time off to recover while looking at ways to help guide upcoming athletes and guide runners.
“I’m getting ready for the next race. This year I have to recover, and I’m focused on next year. I want to work together with our teams, encourage them when they start training, and teach some guides how to guide. I will keep going for as long as I can,” Shikongo said.
He added that he wants to pass on the knowledge he has gained over years of competing at the highest level for Namibia to continue to produce world-class Paralympians long after he eventually hangs up his spikes.
Tjiuiju echoed that sentiment, encouraging fellow Namibians to continue believing in the country’s Paralympic programme and supporting the next generation of athletes.
