Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2025-2026 triathlon programme might be drawing to a close but national coach Pamela Fulton feels there is still plenty to fight for and is looking forward to an exciting conclusion with athletes out to maintain top form for some key events scheduled for next month.
These include the South Africa Youth and Junior Championships which remain important for the development and growth of local athletes. The youth event in the neighbouring country is slated for March 8 while the Junior Championships will take place on March 29 in Mossel Bay.
Besides the South Africa Championships, Triathlon Zimbabwe are also looking forward to the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck and Multi-sport Festival on March 14 in Nyanga.
“We draw towards the end of our season but still have key events still to come.
“Athletes have a free weekend being half-term and then one final preparation race on 1 March before our youth travel to Ebotse (Benoni) for SA champs.
“The following weekend is our flagship Troutbeck event, which doubles as our National Championships, so an important race for all.
“The following weekend is our end of season prize giving where our national champions will be crowned and our junior team will be acknowledged before they travel to SA champs in Mossel Bay.
“This will be the first time we have raced in Mossel Bay, so it will be crucial to research the course prior to departure.
“We have a packed schedule for the rest of the season with many key races our athletes need to peak for,” said Fulton.
Triathlon Zimbabwe named the teams travelling for the championships in the neighbouring country after the final selection race for the youth and junior a week ago.
Some of the athletes that made the teams include Callum Smith, Olivia Beamish and Zander Botha (all juniors).
They were in Egypt for the Africa Junior Championships over the weekend.
“I am very pleased with both teams which have qualified. Almost all athletes trying to qualify did.
“With two races to go there were two athletes still needing to improve their times significantly and they both managed to take a few minutes off in order to qualify.
“Congratulations to all athletes for their dedication to triathlon with most having to train swim, bike, run on top of all their school sport commitments,” Fulton said.
Triathlon Zimbabwe’s 2025-2026 programme is scheduled to end on March 29 with fun events and prize giving at Mount Pleasant pool.
South Africa Youth Championships:
Under-13 Girls – Hannah Hosack.
Under-15 Girls – Alexis Beamish.
Under-13 Boys – Bryce Cameron, Shinga Mushamba.
Under-15 Boys – John Goddard, Sebastian Goddard, Daniel Hildebrand, Alvin Mufute.
South Africa Junior Championships and Africa Triathlon Junior Cup — Mossel Bay
Under-17 Women – Rachel O’Donoghue, Olivia Beamish.
Under-17 Men – Zander Botha, Ta’anashe Makosa, Matthew Hildebrand, Zizael Munyati, Aden Collett.
Under-19 Men: Callum Smith
