Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RISING sprint star Ropafadzo Mzondo has been added to Team Zimbabwe for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Mzondo joins the initially announced 11-member team that will compete across seven sport codes – athletics, cycling, equestrian, judo, triathlon, swimming and rowing.
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee announced the addition this Thursday following the allocation of an extra quota slot by the YOG Organising Committee in consultation with the World Athletics.
Mzondo will compete in 200m.
“The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) proudly announces the addition of sprinter Ropafadzo Mzondo to Zimbabwe’s team for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games following the allocation of an extra quota slot by the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee in consultation with World Athletics.
“After an additional slot opened in the boys 200m event, ZOC consulted the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ), which nominated the exceptional young talent,” reads part of ZOC’s statement.
Team Zimbabwe chef de mission Charmaine Chamboko said the new addition boosts Zimbabwe’s competitive edge.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ropafadzo to the team.
“His inclusion undoubtedly boosts Zimbabwe’s prospects at the Games. Ropafadzo has displayed exceptional talent and a remarkable growth trajectory, from dominating local NASH competitions to holding his own on the international stage,” said Chamboko.
Mzondo was part of the team that represented the country at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the United States in August.
He reached the 400m semi-final while clocking a personal best of 46.51 seconds in the heats to place third.
The performance also saw him setting a new Under-18 national record.
He then helped the 4x400m relay team to reach the final after finishing third in the heats in 3 minutes 08.56 seconds, also setting a new Under 20 national record in the event.
