Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga has sparked controversy with a silent protest over unpaid winning bonuses, choosing not to display the Zambian flag ahead of his race in the Lausanne Diamond League. Samukonga, who is set to compete at today 8th August 2024, 20:04hrs Zambian time, will be racing against some of the top athletes in the world, including Eugene Omalla of the Netherlands, Lionel Spitz from Switzerland, and British sprinters Dobson Charles and Mathew Hudson-Smith, among others.
However, it’s not his competitors that have drawn the most attention, but rather Samukonga’s subtle protest. On his official Facebook page, the sprinter posted a list of athletes accompanied by their respective flags, but conspicuously left his name without the Zambian flag. Instead, he replaced it with three lines, seemingly alluding to his sponsor, Adidas.
This move has ignited a debate among his followers. While some criticize Samukonga, a Zambia National Service (ZNS) officer, for being unpatriotic, others have expressed support for his stance, sympathizing with his frustration over the unpaid bonuses. The incident has brought to light the ongoing issues faced by Zambian athletes, raising questions about how they are supported and rewarded for their achievements on the international stage.
