marble nkomo
Ellina Mhlanga, ellina.mhlanga @zimpapers.co.zw
A 15-year-old Zimbabwean triathlete stepped onto the continental stage and refused to be intimidated.
Rachel O’Donoghue delivered a bronze medal on her first race in the elite field at the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multi Sport Festival at Troutbeck on Saturday, a result that immediately pushed the youngster into the spotlight.
Competing against seasoned athletes, O’Donoghue showed composure across the swim, bike and run to finish on the podium in difficult conditions in Nyanga.
Her performance stood out on a day when Zimbabwe’s leading triathlete Andie Kuipers had to pull out early in the swim after suffering discomfort.
O’Donoghue was not the only Zimbabwean youngster to shine.
Zander Botha confirmed his growing reputation when he won gold in the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men’s race, continuing a season in which he has been one of the most consistent young athletes on the circuit.
The two athletes only recently graduated from the youth ranks. They are already holding their own at continental level and have become central figures in Zimbabwe’s push for places at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
Their rise started gaining momentum late last year when they attended the World Triathlon Development Regional Camp in Kilifi, Kenya. Both returned to competition soon after and secured silver medals for Zimbabwe at the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup.
Botha has kept building since then. He finished 11th at the Africa Cup race in El Galala, improved to sixth in Ebotse and then dominated the junior race at Troutbeck, where he broke the tape ahead of the field.
Triathlon Zimbabwe vice president and national coach Pamela Fulton believes the two teenagers have given the sport fresh energy.
“Both athletes have had a fantastic season,” said Fulton.
“Zander has focused mainly on triathlon while Rachel spent part of the festive season racing off road events.
“She finished second overall in the women’s sprint distance at the South Africa Xterra Championships. Then she stepped into the elite race here at Troutbeck and came away with bronze.
“Their future in the sport looks very bright and now we wait to hear after March 31 if Zimbabwe has secured a place at the Youth Olympic Games.”
Botha’s campaign continues this weekend when he lines up at the Africa Cup race in Swakopmund. He will later rejoin the national team for another continental race in Mossel Bay.
The Troutbeck festival also doubled as Zimbabwe’s national championships and drew a strong field across elite and age group races.
For several young athletes, it was their first real test against international competition.
One of them was Zizael Manyati who finished eighth in the Junior Cup on his debut.
The race proved tougher than expected.
“Next time, I think I will be more prepared for the South African guys,” said Manyati. “I did not realise how fast they are. I thought it would be easier but it was very tough.
“It was painful and very tiring but finishing the race felt amazing.”
Fulton said the effort from the local athletes made the event memorable.
“This year, I stepped away from officiating and spent more time supporting the athletes,” she said.
“It was special to watch them push themselves in very difficult conditions. Moments like Zander winning the junior race and Rachel finishing on the podium made the day very special.”
The Troutbeck competition was the final major race on the local triathlon calendar.
Triathlon Zimbabwe will wrap up the season with a fun event and prize giving ceremony at Mt Pleasant Pool in Harare on March 29.
Online Reporter