daniel chigunwe
Curtworth Masango
Tatenda Kajonde, a 20-year-old gymnastics athlete based in China, hopes to one day represent Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games.
Kajonde is dedicated to perfecting his skills as he prepares for future assignments with the national team.
Hailing from Harare, he has shown exceptional gymnastic talent since his primary days. He focuses on acrobatics and tumbling.
He turned professional while in Grade Six and has been involved in many competitions along the way.
He was appointed team captain for Zimbabwe in 2022 at the Region 5 Youth Games in Malawi.
“I have won multiple national competitions. In 2022, I was the Gold medalist in the Zimbabwean Nationals.
“I was appointed captain and had the honour of representing Zimbabwe in Malawi. I won bronze against five nations. In 2023, I had to come to China, where I am currently, and I am doing Acrobatics with my other seven fellow teammates.
“I had friends who were agents, so after I finished school, one of my friends approached me and offered me the job. It was easy as my performances were outstanding.
“Now I work at an international Circus performing Acrobatics (China), I want to improve my skills and I am already doing that.
He added:
“I also recommend other kids to join gymnastics as its remuneration is good depending on where you are doing it. Here in China it’s a good example.
“I want to uplift others, who are back home in Zimbabwe, I want to build a place to train young people.”
Despite the lack of adequate equipment, Kajonde is willing to put the burden on his shoulders and help push the team.
“I have always wanted to be involved in something that has to do with representing my nation, so it’s a blessing and I feel very proud and honoured.
“I wanted to end up representing my nation in the Olympics or World Games but unfortunately, even though we have all the knowledge, we do not have much upgraded equipment to use, so we might never get to see the Olympics anytime soon, my dream now is to fund the Zimbabwe Gymnastics and open a club then train youths,” he said.
Online Reporter