Cyprian Tseriwa

Cyprian Tseriwa was a long-distance runner who was the first athlete of African descent from Zimbabwe to compete at the Olympics. Tseriwa was working as a school teacher when he was selected to compete at the 1960 Roma Olympics. In the 5,000 metres he finished in 10th place out of 11 athletes in his heat and did not advance. He did not fare much better in the 10,000 metres, finishing in 28th place of the 29 athletes that completed the race.

After the Olympics Tseriwa worked as a coach and opened the door for future black athletes including Mathias Kanda and Robson Mrombe. Thabani Gonye, the President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, described Tseriwa as a pioneer and an inspiration.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:28.7 (1960); 10000 – 30:47.8 (1960).