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Muzala Samukonga is aiming to overcome online backlash and rivals Bryce Deadmon and Kirani James in Rome Diamond League.
After facing a wave of online backlash following a controversial social media post, Olympic 400m bronze medalist Muzala Samukonga is ready to hit the track once again.
This Friday, the 21-year-old Zambian runner will be in Rome for the Golden Gala, the 13th Wanda Diamond League meeting of the season, where he will compete in a 400m race against some of the world’s best.
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14:00 - 25.08.2024
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Samukonga, who earned a bronze medal at the recent Olympics, sparked controversy when he omitted the Zambian flag from his pre-race setup at the Lausanne Diamond League, where he secured a commendable second place with a time of 44.06 seconds.
His omission, coupled with the pre-race comments made by fellow Zambians led to a storm of criticism on social media with many questioning his patriotism and commitment.
Despite the uproar, Samukonga remained focused on his performance.
"It takes more than handwork, sacrifices, dedication and determination," he posted on X days after the race.
In Rome, Samukonga will face a formidable lineup of competitors, including Bryce Deadmon of the United States.
Deadmon, who has a season-best time of 44.23 seconds will be a key rival. Samukonga’s personal best of 43.74 seconds puts him in a strong position but the presence of such tough competitors means every fraction of a second will count.
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18:15 - 23.08.2024
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Other athletes in the race include Charles Dobson from Great Britain, who also has a season-best of 44.23 seconds, and Grenadian Kirani James, known for his impressive season-best of 43.78 seconds.
The field is further enriched by Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori, both with season-bests of 44.22 and 44.10 seconds respectively, alongside American Vernon Norwood, who shares a season-best of 44.10 seconds.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, with a season-best of 43.78 seconds, and Italy’s Luca Sito with a season-best of 44.75 seconds, complete the competitive lineup.
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05:00 - 26.08.2024
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Samukonga’s performance in Rome will be closely watched not only for his athletic prowess but also as a response to the scrutiny he faced off the track.
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