Chaora aims for gold

Sports Reporter
AIR FORCE of Zimbabwe Taekwondo Academy athlete Brenda Chaora is aiming for gold in the Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championships which get underway today at the University of Zimbabwe Chaora, who scooped gold at the last edition, said she is determined to leave a mark in the male-dominated sport where she has been the only Zimbabwe women fighter at regional competitions for the last two years.

The event, which is running for the third year, is expected to see an increased number of foreign participants with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Malawi having confirmed their participation. The Manyame-based athlete said she is excited to square up against contestants from neighbouring countries.

“In Zimbabwe, not many girls have taken up taekwondo to the senior level and as a result I have been the only girl representing the nation in regional competitions for the past two years. So it’s a good thing that we have some girls coming from Mozambique and Malawi for this tournament. For me, it has always been a challenge, being the only one among the boys when we go out for regional events but because of my passion I am determined to go far.

“The more l compete, the more l gain experience. This tournament is a big opportunity for me to learn, improve and gain experience. I will be fighting with foreign girls some of whom have already participated in continental and international championships. I was working hard in preparation for this tournament and l am expecting to win. I want a gold medal,” said Chaora.

The 21-year old, who is currently studying towards a diploma in Electrical Engineering, has so far taken part in seven tournaments and managed four podium finishes since last year.

Apart from winning gold at the Zimbabwe 2016 Korean Ambassador’s Championships, she has also bagged silver at the National Taekwondo Championships in Bulawayo this year and bronze at the Tete Championships in Mozambique last April.  However, lack of sponsorship has threatened to spoil her dream of participating at major continental and international events.

“My ambition is to participate at the 2020 Olympics. But the road is not easy because you need to have taken part in at least three continental competitions and win medals. However, it has been a challenge to travel to countries outside our region because of financial constraints. I use my own resources to travel to these competitions.