Zambian Olympic Bronze Medalist “Muzala Samukonga‘ recently sparked Social media debate after he decided to represent adidas in the race at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland. The sprinter who has recently been vocal about unfair athletes’ treatment and lack of sponsorship by the Zambian govt pulled what some would term a ‘protest’.
Muzala participated in the 400m race at the Lausanne Diamond League and came out 2nd defeating the likes of Eugene Omalla, Lionel Spitz, Kebinatshipi Collen, Dobson Charles among others. The first position was scooped by the American athlete Mathew Hudson Smith. In his Facebook post announcing his participation in the race, Muzala inserted in the 3 strips for adidas who are his sponsor instead of the national flag like he did for others. This has been received with mixed feelings with some labelling him unpatriotic while others backing him up.
The Athlete has been vocal about the welfare of sportsmen and women in the country and criticized the govt for failing to pay them their much promised daily allowances at the just ended 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In fact, Muzala also disclosed the Ministry of Youth Sports and Arts hasn’t paid any of their dues since 2022.
