Bulawayo females shine in Masvingo

BULAWAYO’S female athletes were the toast of the National Youth Games as they dominated other provinces grabbing a total of 15 medals although they only managed a third placing.
The annual Games were held in Masvingo a fortnight ago and Bulawayo’s female athletes accounted for four gold, six silver and five bronze medals to come first in their category.

Yvonne Vanhuvaone struck gold twice in the 400m final with a time of 59.4secs as she outran her competitors in the 400m hurdles final.

The women’s medley relay team also bagged a gold medal for the province and not to be outdone was Patience Gurure in the 2 000m women’s who also clinched the top spot in the 2 000m women’s walking race.

In the 4x100m women’s relay Bulawayo walked away with a silver medal, just 0.3 seconds behind winners Harare who had relinquished their title in Bulawayo last year when they came fourth. However, they came back stronger this year claiming their 10th National Youth Games title.

Harare had a total of 40 medals comprising 17 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze while the hosts and runners-up Masvingo, were unshakable in the second spot with 16 gold, seven silver and 12 bronze.

Bulawayo lost the title after winning nine gold, 13 silver and nine bronze down from last year’s 16 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals.

However, Matabeleland North continued on their trail of dismal performances as they came last with only four medals, two silver and two bronze.

Matabeleland South made a marked improvement from last year’s standings, moving from eighth to fourth with seven gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals. The Midlands dropped from position five to seven after scooping four gold, four silver and eight bronze medals, Mashonaland East were fifth with five gold, five silver and three bronze medals while Manicaland (6th) collected five gold, one silver and two bronze.

Mashonaland West was on position eight with three gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals while Mashonaland Central with two gold, two silver and five bronze medals finished on position nine.