Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S young triathletes —Rachel O’Donoghue and Zander Botha — begin their bid to earn slots at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games this weekend.
They are in Kilifi, Kenya.
The camp, organised by World Triathlon and Africa Triathlon, targets potential Youth Olympic Games participants.
It closes with Saturday’s eligibility race, followed by a mixed relay on Sunday.
Egypt, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and hosts Kenya are also represented.
Botha and O’Donoghue travelled with national coach Pamela Fulton, who told Zimpapers Sports Hub she expects both athletes to handle the pressure when they line up for the super sprint.
“I personally believe that both of them have very good chances of winning the super sprint event.
“Rachel, it will be a tough race again with the South African girls, so interesting to see how those two fight it out.
“But Zander, he is on top of his game, probably don’t know too many of the other athletes, there might be someone in there who will really challenge him but interesting to see.
“And then some of the older kids who are also eligible for YOG might be racing in the Sprint Cup event…not sure who they are yet.
“But I think it’s going to be a really, really good weekend,” said Fulton.
There are 32 slots each for males and females for Dakar, although the continental allocations are still to be confirmed.
For now, countries have been encouraged to get their athletes prepared early so they stand a realistic chance when the numbers are finalised.
The Youth Olympic Games will run between October and November next year in Dakar, Senegal.
Yesterday, the rising triathletes went through essential drills, including bike assembling, bike handling, cornering, gearing, transitions, mounting and dismounting, plus warm-up routines. Today’s programme shifts to the swim and run sessions, along with Open Water Swim work.
Course familiarisation takes place tomorrow.
The next eligibility race is set for early next year.
Mathew Masinge