Online Reporter
Tapson Ndou, [email protected]
The Shashe community in Beitbridge West, Ward 8, is celebrating a remarkable achievement by 15-year-old Tracy Ndou, who returned from the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games in Marondera with three athletics medals.
Tracy emerged as one of Matabeleland South’s standout performers, winning gold in the 100 metres, gold in the 400 metres and silver in the 800 metres.
Her performance has turned the teenager into a household name in Shashe and highlighted the sporting potential that exists in rural communities across the province.
The 2026 National Youth and Paralympic Games were held in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, with the Youth Games running from 12 to 18 August and the Paralympic Games from 20 to 26 August.
The event marked the return of the national competition after a six-year interruption, and was used as a key platform for identifying and developing young sporting talent.
For the Shashe community, Tracy’s success represents more than medals. It has given the community a reason to celebrate and has inspired other young people to believe that talent from rural areas can compete and win at the national level.
Speaking to Lotsha FM, the athlete’s trainer, Getwell Ndou described her as humble and naturally gifted.
He said her talent was evident from an early stage and that her determination, discipline and willingness to learn had played a big role in her success in Marondera.
“Tracy’s three-medal performance shows what can happen with continued training, proper guidance and adequate support,” said Ndou.
“With the right structures, she can go further at provincial, national and possibly international level.”
The trainer also stressed the importance of keeping young athletes focused and creating opportunities for them to develop, instead of allowing talent to go undiscovered in rural areas.
Community leader, Ceasery Msipha, said Tracy’s achievement has reaffirmed his belief that Shashe is home to significant untapped talent and that his responsibility to identify, encourage and expose young people with sporting ability as a community leader.
“Tracy’s success should inspire parents, leaders and stakeholders to invest more in our young people,” said Msipha.
“When one child succeeds, it motivates others to believe in themselves and pursue their talents.”
The 2026 Games were held under the theme “Breaking the Silence Through Sport”, with organisers highlighting sport’s role in addressing challenges affecting young people, including drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination.
For a rural community like Shashe, Tracy’s story comes at an important time. Sport is increasingly being seen as a pathway to discipline, confidence, recognition and opportunity for young people.
With two gold medals and a silver already in her collection at just 15, Tracy has given Beitbridge West a new athletics star to watch, and Matabeleland South another reason to believe in the future of its young athletes.
