Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Amateur Swimming Senior Championships came to life over the weekend with Spartans laying the ground to successfully defend their crown at Les Brown pool.
The reigning champions ended the first weekend of the competition occupying the top spot with a combined team score of 1 408.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, the clubs’ swimmers expressed satisfaction with their performances and progress towards defending the title.
Tori Dawe said they have worked hard for the championships.
“It’s been really good,” said Dawe.
“We have had some good swims, especially our club has done so well. We have worked so hard for this gala throughout the season.
“We had lots of early mornings and late nights preparing for the gala. And I think it’s been really good. We have really shown everyone who we are as Spartans.
“We all had some good performances. I am really happy with how things are going so far . . . We have looked at the results and it’s looking good so far, so we will have to see how it goes next weekend,” said Dawe.
Alexis Johnsen, who is expected to be part of Team Zimbabwe for the African Youth Games in Angola said the championships have given her a chance to gauge herself.
She is hoping to post better times when she returns for the second phase of the championships running from this coming Friday to Sunday at the same venue.
“It’s been okay. I haven’t really tapered for this event because of Angola. My taper only really starts this week, so my times haven’t been the best, but hopefully, once I start to taper for Angola then I should perform there,” she said.
“I think this competition is helping me see where I am . . . And I have done a lot of preparations. I have trained this whole year. So hopefully it all works out,” said Johnsen.
HAS clubs — Spartans, Vikings, Sharks, Highlands, Wild Orcas, Harare Otters and Pirates Zimbabwe — were joined by Dorado, Falcons, Zimbabwe Masters and Dolphins for the meet.
Vikings are second with 786 points and Sharks are third having accumulated 777 points.
Sharks coach Kathy Lobb said they have had a difficult year with school activities and examinations.
And some of their swimmers missed out on the first day but Lobb is pleased with performances.
“My personal swimmers, we have had quite a lot of PBs, so that’s good. Unexpected medallists, which is good.
“We are doing okay, but I must admit we are looking forward to the week’s break in between because we repeat this next weekend,” Lobb said.
Dorado and Highlands are fourth and fifth respectively.
They are followed by Harare Otters on sixth position while Dolphins are seventh.
Wild Orcas are eighth and Falcons come in at position nine.
Pirates Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Masters Swimming complete the table on position 10 and 11.
The official opening held on Saturday was graced by South African Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith, who took some time to interact with the upcoming swimmers.
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