Zambia's hope of reaping a medal at the Olympics officially ended on Wednesday with runner Tony Wamulwa's elimination from the 5,000 meters heat two at the National Stadium in Beijing, The Post reported on Thursday.

Wamulwa timed 14:06:96 minutes to finish 10th in a 13-man heat.

Wamulwa's exit from the Olympics completes Zambia's representation at the Olympic Games.

Female runner Rachael Nachula saved face to become Zambia's only athlete at the Beijing Olympic Games to storm into the semifinals of the 400 meters women's race.

Nachula failed to secure a final spot.

Wamulwa joined the first round elimination record that other Zambian athletes suffered at the Games. Boxers Hastings Bwalya, Precious Makina and Cassius Chiyanika were the early casualties, along with badminton player Eli Mambwe.

Mambwe was later joined by swimmer Zane Jordanand Ellen Hight on the preliminary exit trail.

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2008)