Chronicle EditorEllina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
ANDIE Kuipers is hoping to build on her performance at the 2024 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup as she shifts her focus to the next events including the African Games.
Kuipers was the country’s sole representative in the elite category at the 16th edition of the event held on Saturday at the Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga.
She came fifth in the women’s section with a time of 1 hour and 19 minutes 31 seconds.
The race consists of a 750m swim, 20.33km bike, and 5km run.
Speaking after Saturday’s race, Kuipers said being her first race of the season, it was difficult but is staying positive ahead of another race in two weeks, in South Africa and the African Games due to take place from March 8 to 23 in Accra, Ghana.
“The first race of the season is always, I don’t know, it’s hard to perform at your best on the first one. So I will take confidence from this race. But also, I need to work on a lot of things.
“But I am only in my eighth week of training, so I have a lot of improvement to make even though I am pretty satisfied where I am.”
The 21-year-old is one of the four triathletes who will be part of Team Zimbabwe for the African Games.
The other three are Lorna Doorman, Rohnan Nicholson, and Callum Smith.
Kuipers is chasing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and is hoping to get more points at the African Games.
“African Games is like my main aim. So, I will train hard . . . I didn’t rest for this race and I won’t rest for South Africa. But I will be resting, like tapering going into the (African) Games because that’s important,” said Kuipers.
Elizabeth Carr from Ireland emerged winner in the elite women in 1 hour 12 minutes 7 seconds.
The elite men’s title went to Ayan Beisenbayev of Kazakhstan with a time of 1 hour 3 minutes 59 seconds.
It was also a difficult day for local juniors with Nicholson and Smith finishing sixth and seventh respectively in the Africa Junior Cup.
Stanely Chasakara managed position eight and Mandlenkosi Mthethwa was ninth.
South Africa’s Nicholas Horne and Anika Visser won the junior men’s and women’s titles respectively.
Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry, in a speech read on her behalf by deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, commended the organisers for successfully hosting the event over the years.
“The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup, Troutbeck has created a platform where athletes can showcase their talent whilst creating sustainable networks that will further their careers.
“The value of the event as part of the World Triathlon ranking points system is critical for our elite, Under-23, and junior development categories.
The event continues to provide a platform for higher levels of competition as has been the case throughout the event’s history,” said Coventry.
Event director Rick Fulton expressed gratitude to the various sponsors that have come on board to support the annual event and the various volunteers that are involved in the organisation and running of the competition.
Coca-Cola through the Bonaqua water brand is the title sponsor for the event. Several other sponsors including Cimas IGO, African Sun, Ecocash, CFAO Motors, Rooney’s, African Sun, Simbisa Brands, and MCM Legal have also come on board to support the event.
Coca-Cola franchise, marketing portfolio activations manager Zimbabwe Barry Otieno said they are committed to supporting the sport.
“Coca-Cola, a brand that resonates with joy, refreshment, and shared moments, is proud to be associated with the organisers of the event, led by Rick Fulton. Our commitment to supporting sports and healthy lifestyles runs deep,” said Otieno.
The event was also graced by Permanent Secretary in the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Ministry Nicholas Moyo, Sports Commission chairman Gerald Mlotshwa, and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye and representatives for the different sponsors.
Online Reporter