Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FRESH from securing another term as Triathlon Zimbabwe president, Ross O’Donoghue is eyeing bigger targets, including the dream of sending an athlete to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking after the federation’s annual general meeting held at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, O’Donoghue said the association will double down on junior development and retention strategies as they lay the foundation for long term success.
“You’ve got to have juniors to have good seniors,” said O’Donoghue. “Now it’s about figuring out how we keep the talented juniors in triathlon. Once they head to university, many drift away from the sport.”
The board, comprising vice president Pamela Fulton, treasurer Rob Goddard, and Kevin Nicholson, was also retained unopposed, effectively continuing the same leadership team into a new cycle.
A key pillar of their development strategy is the Schools Series, which attracted close to 300 young athletes over three events this past season.
“We’re looking to grow that number,” he said. “There’s so much potential. It’s just about time, money and resources.”
In a major constitutional shift, Triathlon Zimbabwe also extended executive terms from one year to four years, a move O’Donoghue says is vital for stability and long term planning.
“It allows us to focus on LA 2028. We can implement proper systems and processes to give our athletes a real shot at qualifying,” he said. “These changes were actually proposed by the Sports and Recreation Commission, so we’re confident they’ll be approved.”
Tammy Benade remains the board-appointed secretary general, whose term will also now span four years.
Looking ahead, O’Donoghue said the federation will explore partnerships to build its own training facilities while improving coaching and administrative capacity.
“Running a national federation here is no easy task, especially with financial limitations. A lot of our planning has been hand to mouth, just trying to survive each season,” he said. “Now we want a proper four year roadmap to Los Angeles.”
Fulton echoed that sentiment, saying the continuity shows members believe in the current leadership.
“The fact there were no other nominations means the community trusts us,” she said. “It’s a vote of confidence in how we’ve managed things so far.”
