Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe vice president Pamela Fulton says they are proud and excited to be part of the forthcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after being awarded a slot in the female category.
The YOG run from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal, mark a historic milestone with the African continent hosting the Games for the first time since the inception in 2010.
And as the countdown to the Games continue, the International Olympic Committee confirmed the allocation of quota places for the triathlon events.
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee are among the National Olympic Committees awarded a quota place at the forthcoming YOG.
Zimbabwe received a slot in the female category.
“I am exceptionally proud that Triathlon Zimbabwe will once again be represented at the Youth Olympic Games.
“The last time we were represented was in 2014 in Nanjing, China.
“This gives our sport fantastic exposure and the all-important opportunity to compete with the rest of the world.
“This is a historic moment with the first event of this magnitude being held on African soil.
“Triathlon Zimbabwe is exceptionally proud and well deserved to be represented at this historic event,” said Fulton.
According to World Triathlon, at the heart of the allocation is a commitment to universality with each National Olympic Committee being awarded a single quota place, except for the host nation, Senegal who have been allocated two quota places – one male and one female.
Europe have the largest representation with 11 male and 11 female athletes, while Africa, Asia and the Americas have each been allocated six male and six female quota places. Oceania got three male and three female to complete the line-up.
World Triathlon further indicated, the allocation has been shaped by a combination of NOCs priorities and athlete performances across eligibility events held by the international federation across the continents.
Zimbabwe participated at the two eligibility races held on the continent last year in November and in February this year, in Egypt, competing in both the male and female categories.
While they are delighted to have one of their young athletes at the Games, Fulton, admitted it is a bitter-sweet situation as they also have talented male athletes but will miss out on the Games.
“However, it is bitter-sweet that we only received a slot in the female category as we have exceptionally talented and committed athletes in both the males and females’ category.
“The idea behind these Games is universality with as many federations represented by exceptionally talented athletes but perhaps not necessarily the absolute best in the world.
“This should take a bit of pressure off the young athletes who do compete at the Games.
“Africa will be represented by six federations per gender instead of 4 four as in previous YOG, thereby inspiring the next generation,” said Fulton.
The national association together with ZOC, are now set to select the athlete who will represent the country in Senegal.
Zimbabwe will be joined by Algeria, Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa and the host nation Senegal.
The male quota places were allotted to Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal and Tunisia.
