Chenge Takes Flight to Energize World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026

Triple-Jump Star and Energize Consultant Chengetayi Mapaya Heads to Poland for World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026

The Zimbabwean triple jump star nicknamed “Du Airlines” has soared beyond 17 meters, earned NCAA titles, and represented his nation in elite international athletics. But step into the Energize Group’s Dallas office on a weekday morning, and you’ll see a high performance professional thriving in the demanding world of technology staffing. Now, he's taking on his greatest challenge as he leaves his colleagues in United States for the 21st World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. This is the story of how Chenge balances high-performance staffing and recruitment with elite athletics. 

“I’m grateful for how the season has started - holding the world lead and flying the Zimbabwean flag,” says Chenge. “This year, I’m chasing a medal. Starting strong was important. People will see me jump in competition, but they don’t see the long days between the office, the gym, and the track. Recruitment keeps my mind sharp and the earnings help fund my athletics career. High pressure environments bring out the best in me."

His career is distinguished by several major achievements, beginning with a gold medal at the 2017 African U20 Championships in Algeria, where he established a meet record of 16.30 meters. He further solidified his international standing by earning a silver medal at the 2024 African Championships in Douala. Notably, during the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships, he achieved a personal best of 17.26 meters, a feat that broke Zimbabwe’s national triple jump record which had stood for 23 years. Change has long established a high-performance routine built for recruitment and athletics.

Succeeding in both disciplines requires exceptional resilience and the willingness to be better every single day. Chenge's routine is engineered around this philosophy - here's his typical daily routine for excellence:

04:50 AM    Wake Up: Mental Preparation & 1% Better Mindset
05:30 AM    Gym Session #1: Explosive Strength for High-Performance Athletics
08:00 AM    Work at Energize Group: Recruitment Strategy & Talent Engagement
05:00 PM    Wrap Up at the Office: Delivering Hiring Results
07:15 PM    Gym/Track Session #2: Technical Precision & Triple Jump Form
09:15 PM    Lights Out: Recovery, Growth & Continuous Improvement

What makes Change's status as among the world's top 20 at triple-jump even more extraordinary, is that he trains without the full support systems many elite athletes rely on.

“I’ve gone nearly three years with no coach and very little support,” he says. “There are days where it feels like I give everything without seeing the return. At times it feels like I give everything without seeing the return. But it’s been straight hustle that’s carried me here and have to be grateful for my will.With more backing, I know I can reach even greater heights."

His advice to others enduring the grind?

"There are days when you won’t feel like training, feel like you can’t give your best. Those days are where your resilience comes in, still getting to the gym to train or still taking the time to plan when the best you can give is 80% will mean overall improvements every day."

 

All the early mornings, busy days with emails and calls, gym reps, and late-night technique sessions are leading to one major goal: The World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026 in Torun, Poland, taking place March 20th - 22nd.

"Recruitment gives me stability and fuels my competitive spirit. Helping my candidates land their ideal new role creates real impact. But when I step onto the runway in Poland, the mission is clear: I want that medal. I'm trying to prove that my high-performance corporate career can coexist with elite athletics, so I can reach new heights."

Energize Group Vice President Victoria Burns offered her support to her Dallas colleague ahead of the competition:

"Chenge really is the perfect Energizer! Exceptionally hard working and always does so with a smile on his face. He is a pleasure to have on the team and always gets rave reviews from both his candidates and clients. His delivery is excellent; he consistently sends outstanding resumes within a day of being briefed on a role. Everyone at Energize Group wishes him the best of luck and ultimate success at the World Championships in Poland and we're hugely proud to celebrate this achievement with him."

Whether he’s clearing 17 meters into the sandpit or placing a top tier candidate in a transformational tech role, Chengetayi Mapaya is redefining what it means to be a high performance dual-career athlete.