Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture deputy minister Emily Jesaya has underlined the importance of hosting international events for the development and growth of athletes.
In her keynote address on Saturday night, Jesaya said the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multi-sport Festival provided invaluable exposure and experience.
This year’s edition attracted athletes from Austria, Mauritius, South Africa, Czech Republic, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Germany, Japan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
“Through global sporting platforms such as this, Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate that it is capable, welcoming and ready to host world-class competitions. Equally important is the developmental impact of this event on triathlon in Zimbabwe.
“The opportunity for our athletes to compete alongside some of the best triathletes in the world provides invaluable exposure, inspiration and experience,” said Jesaya.
Zimbabwe had representation in the elite women and Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men.
The hosts had their proud moments as Rachel O’Donoghue made her debut in the elite women and took home a bronze medal.
She completed the race comprising of a 750m swim, 20.3km bike and 5km run in 1 hour 14 minutes 29 seconds.
Germany’s Jule Behrens won the race in 1 hour 10 minutes 54 seconds while second placed Himeka Sato posted a time of 1 hour 11 minutes 38 seconds.
In the junior men Zander Botha and Callum Smith claimed gold and silver.
Jesaya said such events as the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup, now running concurrently with the Junior Cup, can stimulate grassroots participation.
“Events of this nature stimulate grassroots participation, strengthening the sport development pathway and encourage young Zimbabweans to embrace endurance sports such as swimming, cycling and running.
She went on to salute the organisers for their dedication that have ensured the event keeps going, with athletes from across the globe gracing the competition.
Jesaya, also underscored the importance of strong partnerships that have sustained the Troutbeck event.
“We encourage other National Sport Associations to draw lessons from the success of this competition — particularly the value of strong partnerships, consistent event hosting and international engagement,” said Jesaya.
Silver medallist in the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men, Smith still recovering from a hip injury said it was a tough outing but proud of his achievement.
“I raced hard and got podium, which really was my main goal.
“My run, due to my injury, prevented me from being able to run as hard as I would have liked to.
“It doesn’t affect me during my swimming and biking, which is why I was able to maintain first position, but then I lost it on the run. But that’s okay.
“Competition was very tough.”
Schweppes Zimbabwe managing director Stanley Muchenje said they are proud to be associated with Triathlon Zimbabwe.
“It’s been 12 consecutive years of Bonaqua proudly sponsoring this event. And Bonaqua is really proud to be associated with Triathlon Zimbabwe.
“Over the past decade, our partnership with Triathlon Zimbabwe has helped grow triathlon into one of the most respected endurance competitions on the African continent.
“It has inspired new athletes, encouraged young people to embrace sport, and placed Zimbabwe firmly on the international triathlon map.
“The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup, sanctioned by Africa Triathlon and World Triathlon, awards valuable world ranking points that contribute towards Olympic qualification,” Muchenje said.
Also present at the function was Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye, Sport and Recreation Commission chairperson Nathaniel Madzivanyika as well as representatives from the various corporate partners.
