Andrew
Veronica Gwaze in TROUTBECK, Nyanga
THE Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck youth revolution is showing positive signs after teenage sensation Brooklyn Tippet rallied to a podium finish at a tight contest at this year’s edition of the international event in Nyanga yesterday.
Tippett finished third after South Africans Kadence Ribbink and Mia Van Der Veen, who settled for gold and silver, respectively, while Makanaka Mawere was fourth.
The duo are potential replacements for Zimbabwe’s veteran elite athlete Greer Wynn, who made her final appearance in the triathlon competitions. Wynn was a lowly fifth out of six in the elite race.
And Tippett, who is now eying the African Championships in Morrocco in September, was charmed by her performance and feels her hard work is paying off.
“I came out last in the swim, it is not my strength but I had to cover up with my swim and in the end, I did better than I expected.
“Coming out of the water, there was a lot on my mind. I actually expected to be last. However, the plan was to catch up on my cycle and with this result, obviously my gameplan worked.
“It feels amazing and from here I have to carry on with my swim to try and improve because it is my weakness,’’ Tippet said.
Mawere, who just returned from a nasty back injury and did not get enough preparation due to school commitments, was also satisfied with her performance.
She, however, also had a technical issue with her bike, which she believes contributed to her fourth-place finish.
“I had a technical issue with my bike and almost gave up, but the athlete in me urged me on and I am glad I did well to catch up with others. “For my lack of preparation, I did as best as I could. Hopefully, I will be more prepared next year,’’ Mawere said.
She also paid tribute to her brother Matipa Mawere, who is also her training partner for inspiring her. She feels their hard work is paying dividends. Matipa finished fourth in the junior men’s race behind South Africans Shaun Wolfaardt, Christian Hattingh and Francois De Villiers.
Debutant Wolfaardt reckons he had a good day in office despite a challenging terrain.
“It was a good race, especially since it is my first time in Zimbabwe. I did not think I would finish up top.
“Coming out of the water fourth, I was happy because my swim was great compared to some of my performances.
“However, the terrain was tough, which made my run the most challenging. It was actually one of the toughest courses I have ever done but I had a positive mind and it paid off,’’ he said.
Matipa, who also made a first appearance in the junior men, was content with a fourth-place finish. But with low temperatures being recorded on the day, he feels the weather had a negative effect on his performance.
Online Reporter