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Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Andie Kuipers returns to competition today when she takes to the course at the Africa Triathlon Championships in Gqeberha, South Africa.
The championships run until tomorrow with elite, age-group athletes, junior and youth taking part. Kuipers will be joined by seven junior and youth athletes representing Zimbabwe and age group athlete Glenn Morgan.
After missing the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck in Nyanga last month due to an achilles injury, she is looking at giving it her all in the swim and bike as she is still working on her run.
“I feel as prepared as I could be, given my circumstances. I have struggled with an achilles injury since January but it has now been much better and I can run pain free again.
“But of course I haven’t had the run preparation I would have wanted but I know that going into Africa Championships, and have a silent confidence in my swim and bike strength to make up for it.
“My swim and bike are at the best they have been, so I am excited to see how I go on the weekend,” said Kuipers.
Kuipers is racing in the elite/Under-23 women and the race consists of 1,5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.
She is up against the likes of South Africa’s Aimee Roux and Megan Irungu of Kenya for the Under-13 title.
“I would love to be the Under-23 champion again as it’s my last year in this category as well as I need to be within 10% of the winner’s time to get ranking points.
“I am not intimated by other people racing, I focus on myself and my own process and I am satisfied when I know I have done my best,” Kuipers said.
Also, up for competition today are the junior boys – Callum Smith and Stanely Chasakara. For the juniors the race consists of 750m swim, 20km and 5km run. For the youth, their event is tomorrow and will battle it out for the top spots. The race is made up of 375m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run. National coach Pamela Fulton, who is accompanying the team is hoping the young athletes can build on the positive performances posted during the just ended season.
The likes of Zander Botha, Rachel O’Donoghue and Olivia Beamish picked medals in their last tour, at the South Africa Junior and Youth Championships held last month.
And have also done well in the local competition.
“Our top juniors and youth have excelled this season. It was particularly evident at South Africa Championships when we witnessed our Under-15 boys exiting the water in first and second place overall.
“Zimbabwe were proud to come home with four medals. We are also proud of how our elite athlete Andie Kuipers moved through the ranks during her Paris 2024 campaign. It is so important for Zimbabwe and our junior athletes to once again have an elite triathlete competing,” Fulton said.
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