Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BUDDING triathlete John Goddard is confident of his build-up for the Africa Triathlon Championships from October 9 to 11 in Hurghada, Egypt.
Goddard is Zimbabwe’s sole representative in the youth category. He joined the rest of the youth and juniors for their first selection race on Sunday at Mt Pleasant, also taking advantage of the competition to gauge himself ahead of the continental showpiece.
Goddard will represent Zimbabwe in both triathlon and duathlon at the championships.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, after Sunday’s race, Goddard said:
“I think it was alright. I didn’t get my best time, but I think I am still improving and I am hoping to do well at Africa Championships next weekend.
“I think it was quite important because I like to see where my time is compared to my competitors and I think that was really good from this race.
“I think it was quite competitive today.”
He competed over the super sprint distance.
The rising star will be making his debut appearance at the Africa Championships for the first time and is looking forward to be part of the field in Egypt.
“I think I am hoping to maybe medal in the triathlon, and I am not really expecting much from the duathlon but, hopefully, I can get maybe top five.
“This is my first time. It feels good. Very exciting,” Goddard said.
The Youth Men category is expected to feature more than 20 participants drawn from Algeria, Egypt, Benin, Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Mauritius and Zimbabwe. He will join Australia-based Andie Kuipers, who is up for the elite women at the Africa Championships. For Kuipers, she will be out to chase for points to build her ranking towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualification.
With such key events lined up, including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, national coach Pamela Fulton is looking forward to an exciting season. “We have got John competing in a couple of weeks’ time at Africa Championships in the youth category.
“This will be his first time going to Africa Championships. And he will be meeting Andie Kuipers there, who will be racing in the elite category, and I will also be joining the two of them.
“A really important race for Andie because this is a good points race for her.”
She added: “So, important for her to have that good swim, which I know she has been working really hard on, so that she can keep in touch with the pack on the bike and not having to always be chasing.
“She has been training really hard, had a good chat with her recently, and she is positive,” said Fulton.
