Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPARTANS head coach Lindsy Tudor-Cole has said the just-ended National Sprint Gala remains vital in assessing their swimmers in the early stages of the season.
The inter-club competition attracted swimmers from 18 clubs including Spartans who retained the title with a combined team score of 560 points.
The annual event held at the start of the season presents a platform for coaches to gauge their swimmers’ strengths and areas that need attention as the season begins.
It is also platform to identify new talent.
And for Spartans it was not just about defending the title but also gauging their swimmers as they brace for more events lined up for the season.
“The Sprint Gala has given us a useful opportunity to assess where our swimmers are at this early stage of the season and identify the areas we need to work on.
“As training progresses, our focus will be on developing each athlete, improving technique, building fitness and race skills, and ensuring that our swimmers continue to progress towards their individual goals.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us. But I am excited about the season.
“Our focus remains on developing our athletes, building a strong team culture and ensuring that every swimmer continues to improve and reach their potential,” said Tudor-Cole.
She lauded her swimmers for a good showing, stretching their dominance at the National Sprint Gala with a team mainly consisting young participants.
“We travelled with 42 swimmers, with the majority being 14 years old and under.
“With O-Level and A-Level examinations taking place, we had a smaller senior contingent than we might otherwise have had. Nevertheless, we were delighted with the team we took to Mutare and the way our swimmers represented Spartans.
“Wade Cameron, Ava Whyte and Gabriel Munengwa were among the swimmers who stood out for us during the gala.
“However, while individual performances are always important, swimming is very much a team sport, and I am proud of the contribution every swimmer made towards defending our title,” added Tudor-Cole.
Vikings were second with 388 points and Sharks had 349 points to complete the top three.
Last year the gala was staged in Bulawayo.
And as it returned to its traditional home, Mutare, Manicaland Amateur Swimming Board chairperson Duduzile Mthethwa said they were pleased with the turnout.
“The turnout was overwhelming and very encouraging, particularly after the gala returned to its traditional venue in Mutare, with swimmers representing different provinces, which gave the event quite a strong national character.
“A particularly encouraging aspect was the strong participation from the 12-year-old age group, many of whom had recently completed their public examinations, but still made the effort to compete.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have much representation from the students who are currently writing their O-Level, AS and A-Level examinations.
“Generally, the turnout showed the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of young swimmers and their families,” said Mthethwa.
Olympian Paige van der Westhuizen also took part at the competition under Crocs as she is back home after completing her studies in Scotland.
With the National Sprint Gala done, focus for most of the clubs and swimmers shifts to provincial competitions before they go for the National Championships early next year.
Most of the provinces already have their programmes underway.
