dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
PROMISING triathlete Rachel O’Donoghue had another positive outing at the South Africa Youth Championships after clinching a gold medal in the Girls Under-15 category.
The championships were held over the weekend at Maselspoort.
They ran concurrently with an Africa Triathlon Cup and Africa Triathlon Junior Cup.
Andie Kuipers competed in the Africa Cup, in the elite women while Rohnan Nicholson, Stanely Chasakara, and Callum Smith took part in the Junior Cup.
It was in the youth category in which Zimbabwe managed to get three podium finishes with O’Donoghue proving to be a force to reckon with, in an event she faced stiff competition from the South Africans, to claim position one.
Olivia Beamish got a bronze medal in the same category while Zander Botha picked bronze in the boys’ section.
This is the second time O’Donoghue has won gold at the South Africa Youth Championships.
Last year she came first in the Girls Under 13 and she maintained her good form going into the Under-15 age group.
National coach Pamela Fulton was impressed by the effort from the young triathletes.
“I am very happy for both Zander and Olivia as they have trained hard all season, and of course Rachel who is a phenomenal athlete.
“Fantastic boost for the medal winners. The selectors will soon announce the team to the Africa Championships,” said Fulton.
Kuipers was placed eighth in the Africa Cup in a field of 10. The event featured participants from Austria, Japan, Netherlands, Finland, and hosts South Africa.
In the junior men, the best performance was from Nicholson, who finished fifth while Chasakara finished in position 14. The Africa Junior Cup attracted athletes from Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Smith was disqualified after taking a wrong turn during the race.
“Rohnan had an exceptional race, placing fifth overall. He fell as he dismounted the bike but got up immediately and still ran an exceptionally fast time.
“Stanely placed well in the swim and ended with the fourth fastest run split on the day. So it was a good day for him.
“Regarding Callum, it was very unfortunate and he was gutted to be disqualified. By mistake, he took a wrong turn on a complicated run course.
“He covered the same distance as everyone else and crossed the finish line in 10th place but was disqualified. After submitting an appeal, unfortunately, the results were not reversed.
“Andie swam well and stayed with the front pack for most of the swim. She placed ahead of the lady from Finland, so she was pleased with that,” said Fulton.
Kuipers, Nicholson and Smith, they now shift their focus to the African Games.
“Fantastic boost for the two young boys who will certainly go into the Games with more confidence, knowing they are peaking at the right time,” Fulton said.
They will be joined by Lorna Doorman for the continental show-piece.
Online Reporter