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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S swimmer Bjorn Mhlanga had a good day in the pool when posting a personal best in the men 50m freestyle yesterday at the ongoing World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel.
Mhlanga, competing in his second race at the championships, came fifth in 25.18 seconds in Heat four, setting a new personal best in the process, although he could not progress to the semi-final. He improved from his previous time of 25.26 seconds.
This is the second personal best set by a Zimbabwean swimmer at the ongoing championships, after Tori Dawe also posted a personal best on Tuesday in the women 100m freestyle.
Mhlanga was ranked 62 overall out of the 94 participants in the race.
Mikayla Makwabarara was also back in the pool yesterday, competing in the 50m butterfly. She managed fourth place in 30.24 seconds in Heat three and was ranked 42 out of 69 swimmers that took part in the race.
Coach Masi Takaedza, who is in charge of the team at the competition, said it is encouraging to see the swimmers posting personal best times, which is their main target at this stage.
“Again good racing from the two. Mikayla was slightly off by splits and that’s not too bad for a 50. Bjorn swam well and I am so happy for him.
“Both were ranked decently. At this level we encourage new personal best and don’t really pay too much attention to final ranking,” said Takaedza.
Mhlanga is back in the pool today for the men’s 50m butterfly and Takaedza is hopeful of another personal best time from the 17-year-old swimmer. His entry time for the event is 25.64 seconds.
Takaedza expressed satisfaction with the performance from the three swimmers so far. The meet featuring upcoming swimmers between the ages of 14 and 18, is running until Saturday.
“I expect another personal best. I think he is up and running, so I’m looking for-ward (to the race).
“So far so good from the three. I think they have a lot to take going forward,” said Takaedza.
Posting on their Facebook page, Zimbabwe Swimming hailed the two swimmers for their effort.
“A well-earned PB of 25.18s for Bjorn Mhlanga in the 50m free dropping his time from 25.26s.”
Mhlanga also has the 100m freestyle lined up for tomorrow and will be joined by Makwabarara and Dawe, who will be competing in the women’s 50m freestyle.
Dawe and Makwabarara take a break today ahead of tomorrow’s races.
Online Reporter