admintoday on the championships it is looking good for the defending champions as they amassed more medals yesterday with team captain Nicholas Burnett winning a gold medal in the men’s 17 and over 50m freestyle helping.
This helped his team to maintain their lead as they topped the rankings with a combined score of 2 763 points.
Burnett was scheduled to return to the pool for the 200m freestyle relay last night.
The 17-year-old who by yesterday afternoon had bagged 12 medals including 10 gold revaled his excitement at leading the Mashonaland team as they set their eyes on defending the title.
I have quite a few medals, about 10 golds and all in all it’s 12medals. I am still training for my Level three and I am not yet at my peak. It’s great winning medals but it’s not easy in Zimbabwe with the upcoming competition and to be in top three you have to work hard.
“The team has been great, we have six swimmers who have managed to qualify for the Level three and winning all our relays in the boys and girls, it’s been amazing.
“I am enjoying being the captain. I have been trying to make sure that everyone is comfortable and not making them strain themselves. We have to be humble in our win, we can’t be arrogant and it’s got to be sportsman-like and treating everyone fairly,” said Burnett.
Burnett said participating in the national championships is part of his preparations for the Level three competition to be held in South Africa next month and the World Junior Championships set for Dubai in August.
“I still have a long way to go. I am going to South Africa for the Level three and all these events are steps to the World Championships. I have already qualified and one of my aims is to get to the seniors,” said Burnett.
Hollie Stander also put up a good performance as she scooped two gold medals in the girls 12 and Under 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.
Stander was bubbling with confidence and said she is hoping to win more medals.
“So far I have 11 gold and one silver. It’s been fine and I am feeling good. I am hoping to get more medals in the 1 500m and 200m individual medley. This year the competition is much better,” said the 12-year-old.
For Matabeleland, Courtney McAllister won two gold medals in the 50m butterfly and 800m freestyle and a silver in the 50m freestyle while Mieke Koene claimed a gold medal in the girls 15 to 16-year-olds 800m freestyle.
Alistair White of Manicaland clinched a gold medal in the 15 to 16-year-olds 50m freestyle.
Mashonaland Country Districts and Midlands were on third and fourth positions respectively while Manicaland nachored the medals and points tables.
leeroy