daniel chigunwe
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S coach at the ongoing World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel, Masi Takaedza remains hopeful of improved times from the local swimmers taking part despite a tough start yesterday as Tori Dawe missed the semi-final in the women 100m backstroke.
Dawe was the first Zimbabwean swimmer in action yesterday in the women 100m backstroke and found the going tough when coming fifth in Heat two with a time of 1 minute 13.30 seconds. It was outside her entry time of 1 minute 13.03 seconds.
She was ranked 56 out of 63 swimmers that took part in the event.
Zimbabwe is fielding three swimmers at the event — Dawe, Mikayla Makwabarara and Bjorn Mhlanga.
Speaking from Israel after yesterday’s race, Takaedza said Dawe did well considering the level of competition.
“Tori swam very well today (yesterday). Backstroke is not her main stroke and to be on her best was good. She was off by splits, she had a good start and she swam her race very well.
“We are excited, we look forward to her next race.
“The level of competition is very high. We have junior world record holders and some who have top 20 times in the world inclusive of seniors, so it’s tough. But this is why we are here to compete with the best.
“Her time was off by splits and for someone who hardly swims backstroke it’s not bad,” said Takaedza.
Going into this competition, Takaedza said their participation is an opportunity for the young swimmers to get the much needed exposure and learn while also hoping the swimmers would get personal best times.
All the three swimmers are up for competition today with Dawe back in the pool for the 100m freestyle. She will be joined by Makwabarara in the same event.
Mhlanga is going to compete in the men 100m butterfly.
Takaedza said they are looking forward to good performances from all the three and hopefully get personal best times.
“For Tori it’s about believing in herself going forward. I know she will bounce back tomorrow and get a new personal best time.
“Tomorrow all our swimmers will race, Tori in 100m freestyle, Mikayla 100m freestyle and Bjorn 100m butterfly.
“We look forward to some good swims and expect new personal best times. The team has settled very well. We have a good routine and have been training twice a day since we got here,” said Takaedza.
The global show-piece targeting young and upcoming swimmers between the ages of 14 and 18, is running until Saturday.
Mhlanga will also compete in men 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 50m butterfly during this competition.
Dawe and Makwabarara will also take part in 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly. Makwabarara also has the 100m butterfly on her programme.
Online Reporter