HARARE - Zimbabwean sprinter Francis Zimwara has targeted qualification for the World Championships scheduled for Russia in August to make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify in last year’s London Olympics.

The 24-year-old athlete, now based in Mauritius on an IAAF scholarship, says he is determined to make his country proud in Russia.

The former Ziscosteel runner was forced to watch the 2012 London Games on television after missing out on the qualification time by mere seconds.

“This year I have set myself a target of making an impression at the World Championships in Russia after failing to qualify for another big event, the London Olympics last year,” Zimwara told the Daily News on Sunday from his Mauritian base.

“I am going to participate in the Mauritian races which will be used as qualifiers for the event as well as the Yellow Pages in South Africa.”

This year’s IAAF Track and Field World Championships will be held in the Russian capital Moscow from August 10-18.

At least 2 000 athletes drawn from 213 member federations are expected to participate in the athletics meet.

“I think I’m now in a better situation to reap medals because I’m now just concentrating on the sport rather than worrying about money to cater for transport and accommodation to participate in some events,” he said.

“Here, everything is catered for and I believe this is going to spur me towards better achievements, hopefully I can be able to repay the faith bestowed on me by Naaz and IAAF in awarding me this scholarship.”

The Kwekwe-born athlete pleaded with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) to do more to empower young athletes, many of whom are failing to realise their fullest potential due to lack of resources and exposure.