Community Corner
Zambian Olympian Treasured in Santa Monica, Mar Vista
Windward School students say runner Prince Mumba—who trained at the Santa Monica Track Club to qualify for the London games—is more than a coach.
Prince Mumba will wear Zambian colors when he races during the Olympic 800 meter track event in London. Unofficially, though, he's representing the Santa Monica Track Club and Windward School, NBC Los Angeles has reported.
The South African-born runner, who emerged fourth at the Kortrijkse Guldensporen meeting in Belgium on Sunday, trains and coaches on the Westside, where he's adored by students at the private prep school in Mar Vista.
They call him "more than a coach."
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"He has a special place in all of our hearts," Windward student Oliver Curry told NBC. "I think, for this race, we are going to have to go for Zambia, and we are going to have to go for Prince."
Currently in Belgium, Mumba was expected to join his Zambian team members in Scotland before travelling to London on Monday.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Mumba, 28, said "god willing" he will win the medal.
"I ran in the rain today, I know my hard work will pay off soon," he Tweeted on Wednesday.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
