Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe’s Schools Series enters race number two tomorrow with familiar faces expected to converge at Mount Pleasant Pool for the start of the competition.
The series features seven schools — Wise Owl, Hellenic, Springvale House, Abbeys, St Michael’s, Harare International School and St John’s Prep School.
St John’s, who are the defending champions are already leading on the points table, followed by St Michael’s and Hellenic.
As they return for the second race of the season, St John’s will be out to stretch their lead ahead of the final race scheduled for next year.
Schools Commission representative Tanyaradzwa Kasaira predicted a tough and close contest this weekend as most of the participants have had a feel of the course having participated in the first race last month.
“We are expecting huge numbers.
“It’s going to be a tough one this weekend because every school wants it and the competition now is getting tense because it’s the second out of three.
“We are looking forward to about 150 kids and we are hoping for a fantastic weekend.
“A weekend of growth again, and a weekend full of success,” Kasaira said.
The schools accumulate points over three races to determine the winners at the end of the season.
“I am very happy of how this has taken shape. And my hope and prayer, is that this thing doesn’t just stop in the schools, it keeps growing up to the elite stages because this is our future.”
The series will run alongside the youth and junior selection race number four and corporate challenge series lined up for the day.
Also on the programme are duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike events.
Meanwhile, Zander Botha and Rachel O’Donoghue will be up for the Youth Olympic Games eligibility race today in Kilifi, Kenya.
The two promising athletes, who have dominated their age group locally, will be hoping to carry the momentum on the continental stage when they go out today in a bid to secure the country slots for the Youth Olympics due to take place next year in Dakar, Senegal.
The second eligibility is planned for early next year.
Botha and O’Donoghue accompanied by national coach Pamela Fulton, have been in Kenya since Tuesday as they are also attending the World Triathlon Development Regional Camp, targeting potential YOG participants.
