Simbu credits NBC Dodoma for Tokyo triumph

DODOMA: Fresh off his stunning victory at the Tokyo International Athletics Championships, Tanzania’s marathon star Alphonce Simbu has credited his success to disciplined, long-term training and crucially, to the momentum gained after winning the NBC Dodoma Marathon earlier this year.

Speaking at a special recognition event held yesterday at NBC Bank headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Simbu reflected on the pivotal role that the 21-kilometer NBC Dodoma Marathon, held in July, played in preparing him for his Tokyo triumph.

“Winning the NBC Dodoma Marathon was a major source of motivation heading into the Tokyo championships,” Simbu said.

“I used it as a litmus test for my physical readiness, and the confidence I gained there truly laid the foundation for my Tokyo performance.”

The event, organized by the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), was a formal acknowledgment of Simbu’s remarkable achievement. Attendees included senior NBC officials led by Managing Director Theobald Sabi, alongside key figures from the athletics community among them, Athletics Tanzania (AT) President Mr Rogath John Akhwari and fellow elite athletes.

Simbu expressed deep appreciation to NBC for hosting a world-class marathon in Dodoma, calling it a vital platform for athletes aiming to compete internationally.

“I’m sincerely grateful to NBC and the organizers of the Dodoma Marathon for creating such a competitive event. Today, we regard it as a reliable benchmark for assessing our readiness before taking on the global stage,” he remarked.

The champion also acknowledged the overwhelming national support he received after his Tokyo victory, extending thanks to government leaders and private sector partners alike.

“I’ve been touched by the flood of congratulatory messages including from top government officials and even Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan herself.

Receiving formal recognition from NBC Bank, a major supporter of athletics, is another proud moment. Their decision to host this event demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the sport,” Simbu added.

During the event, NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi lauded Simbu and the broader athletics community for continuing to elevate Tanzania’s profile on the global stage.

“On behalf of NBC’s Board and Management, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alphonce Simbu and the leadership of Athletics Tanzania.

Simbu, a core member of the NBC Dodoma Marathon family, has made history for our nation. His 2:09:48 finish in Tokyo is a milestone that will be celebrated for years,” said Sabi.

Echoing this sentiment, Athletics Tanzania President Akhwari praised NBC’s instrumental support and highlighted the NBC Dodoma Marathon’s growing importance in elite athlete development.

“This medal Simbu has brought home is historic never before achieved by our country.

And it comes at a time when the NBC Dodoma Marathon has matured into a race of international caliber. We now have a competitive domestic platform that genuinely prepares our athletes for the world stage,” Akhwari said.

He also pointed to the broader impact of the race, revealing that other top performers from the July edition had gone on to excel in recent international competitions.

“Just today (Wednesday), athletes who finished second in the Dodoma race have delivered strong results in a marathon in South Africa,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Akhwari shared that Athletics Tanzania is actively working on a modern talent development initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletes part of a broader strategy to build on Tanzania’s rising momentum in long-distance running.