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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Tori Dawe set a new personal best in the women 100m freestyle yesterday when coming third in 59.96 seconds in Heat six at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel yesterday.
For Dawe it was an improved performance as she surpassed her entry time of 1 minute 00.26 seconds.
She was ranked 43 overall out of 91 swimmers and did not make the semi-final. However, the 15-year-olds will take comfort in setting a new personal best competing at this level against the world’s best.
It was her second event at the ongoing competition, having competed in the 100m backstroke on Monday.
Also in action in the women 100m freestyle was Mikayla Makwabarara and she came second in Heat five in a time of 1 minute 01.11 seconds. Makwabarara’s performance saw her being placed 50 overall.
Bjorn Mhlanga finished on position 10 in the men 100m butterfly, in Heat two with a time of 1 minute 02.83 seconds.
Coach Masi Takaedza said for Dawe, the performance should boost her confidence going forward.
“Today’s swims are those that gives a coach mixed feelings. For Mikayla and Bjorn their final times don’t do justice to how well they executed their races.
“So it’s one of those were you are happy with the swims but not the times. The focus in now on the next swims. For Tori it’s a new personal best and I can’t ask for more.
“The goal was to break the minute and now that she has managed this will boost her confidence going forward,” said Takaedza.
Dawe takes a rest today while Mhlanga and Makwabarara go for the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly respectively.
Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson Zanele Nkomazana commended the young swimmers and is hopeful of an improved show from Makwabarara and Mhlanga as they compete in their second events at the championships today.
“So for Mikayla she just has to go all out and sprint. Bjorn he swims that event very well, coming from the 100m (butterfly), he must just forget the 100m and just focus on the 50m. They should do well, I think they have settled well.
“And now the two are swimming their second races in the competition, the nerves should be gone, nerves should be settled by tomorrow. Hopefully they are now composed to sprint through,” said Nkomazana.
The meet is running until Saturday and Zimbabwe are hoping the young swimmers get the needed exposure and build on the experience going forward.
Online Reporter