Collaboration, early preps key for LA28

Ellina Mhlanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

FOLLOWING his appointment recently as chef de mission for Team Zimbabwe at the 2028 Olympic Games, Abel Chimukoko has emphasised the importance of collaboration and early preparation.

The Los Angeles Games are scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028, in the US.

Today marks exactly two years before the official opening ceremony.

Some of the sport codes’ qualification time-lines are now out, and some of the qualification process is underway.

As he takes up the role, Chimukoko believes early preparation, aided with collaboration and support from various stakeholders, will be vital for their journey to LA28.

“My expectations are service-driven, especially to the athletes.

“Collaboration with stakeholders, which includes corporates and individual sponsors, the government, the athletes, and the community, is key, so that we have a well-supported Team Zimbabwe starting from now till 2028 after the Games.

“We want to have a highly supported, well-disciplined, united and dedicated Team Zimbabwe for LA28,” said Chimukoko.

“The most important thing is early preparations, as it involves national federations to ensure we select teams on merit and that the athletes meet the qualification criteria earlier so that they have less pressure as they prepare.”

Chimukoko, an Olympian himself having represented the country at the 2004 Olympic Games, is confident in the talent the country has.

He added that for athletes to reach the podium, there is a need for structured support.

“We also need to mobilise enough resources, especially funds, as the athletes need to travel and compete at international competitions globally, for medical care and good nutrition.

“If we need medals at the LA28 Games, we need to invest more into athletes starting now.

“Zimbabwe has got talent. What we need is more structured, early support.

“Through ZOC (Zimbabwe Olympic Committee) and government, we are pushing for better athlete pathways, competition exposure, and performance science,” said Chimukoko.

ZOC last year announced nine recipients of the LA28 Olympic Solidarity Scholarships drawn from athletics, tennis, triathlon and swimming.

The nine athletes are Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba, Tendai Zimuto, Vimbayi Maisvorewa, and Ashley Miller (athletics), Benjamin Lock (tennis), Andie Kuipers (triathlon), Anje Van As and Paige Van Der Westhuizen (swimming).

The scholarships are designed to support athletes projected to have the potential to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Starting in September 2025 and continuing until August 2028, these athletes will benefit from a monthly stipend which comes from the Olympic Solidarity Fund.

However, there is a need to complement the scholarships and ensure more athletes are supported.

At the Paris 2024 Games, Zimbabwe had seven athletes representing the country, with athletics providing four members of the team — two sprinters and two marathon runners.

Swimming had two athletes, and rowing qualified one athlete.

The two sprinters — Makarawu and Charamba — made it into the men’s 200m final, finishing sixth and eighth respectively.

Prior to Paris, Zimbabwe had one of the smallest teams in their history of participation at the Olympics when they fielded five athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

For the next edition, Chimukoko is optimistic about an improved number.

“I am highly optimistic that we will improve our athletes’ qualification numbers for LA28.

“We need support now.

“We need a tracking system on the performance of our athletes for those under Olympic Solidarity Scholarships and those not (on scholarships), both locally and abroad.

“We know our strengths like athletics, swimming, golf, rowing, and combat sports, but we need them to qualify early, not at the last minute.

“Early qualifications reduce pressure on athletes, and it gives them time to concentrate on training and competition.

“The other issue is athletes’ welfare and support. We have to ensure athletes get access to training facilities, medical care, good nutrition, competition exposure, and the best coaches,” said Chimukoko.