adminSenior Sports Reporter
THERE might not have been any Zimbabwean among participants in the Schweppes Water Troutbeck ATU triathlon main elite category, but the event remains a vital cog in the promotion of sports tourism, with hordes of athletes from all over the globe converging in the resort area of Troutbeck in Nyanga. Just like in the past four years, there was no Zimbabwean among triathletes in the elite category and only competitors from Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Germany, Turkey, Mexico, Namibia, Belgium, Morocco and South Africa took part.
The country’s tourism sector, among other sectors of the economy, had been hard hit by the economic recession, but events like the Schweppes Water Troutbeck ATU triathlon are playing a major role in promoting the country as a safe and beautiful tourism destination.
With a unique course, one of the most challenging on the continent, the Schweppes Water Troutbeck ATU triathlon held annually in the undulating terrain of Nyanga attracts international participants.
“It is always a pleasure to be back here. I love the place and the people are so nice. I have been part of this competition before and I think I will continue taking part in it.
“I have also informed people from my native country about the beauty of this place and I know it is only a matter of time before some of them visit this place or even come to compete in the race,” said Fabienne St Louis of Mauritius.
This was the third time that St Louis was taking part in the Schweppes Water Troutbeck ATU triathlon competition after settling for second position when she took part in the juniors’ category at a tender age of 11.
She then came third in her second attempt, but finally scooped pole position in the females’ elite category this year.
However, triathlon, just like many sporting genres in the country, has been hit by severe talent-drain with many promising athletes moving to other countries.
The last elite athlete Zimbabwe had was Chris Felgate, a veteran of two Olympics who retired in 2012, and since then TZ has struggled to identify talent that could stick around for a while for a professional triathlon career.
According to local media reports, promising triathlete Laurelle Brown took up studies with England’s Bournemouth University while prior to her departure for England, the former Peterhouse student had been cited as the heir apparent to Felgate.
However, it is understood that the 2012/2013 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, recently confirmed her plans of coming back to compete as a professional triathlete.
Zimbabwe hope of an elite triathlete could be on top junior man athlete Drew Williams who many expect to spearhead the country’s return to the elite category.
Online Reporter