Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe national coach Pamela Fulton is confident their athletes will rise to the occasion when they take to the course tomorrow at the South Africa Junior and Youth Championships in Benoni.
Eighteen junior and youth triathletes, will be part of the field at the annual competition in the neighbouring country.
It has over the years become part of the programme for Zimbabwean athletes as they seek more competition and exposure, competing in a different environment.
Triathlon Zimbabwe announced the team a few weeks ago and most of the young athletes used the Troutbeck event, featuring several events as part of their build-up for tomorrow.
The team led by Fulton left for South Africa yesterday morning. The vibe is great so far.
“We have spent the time here putting bikes together and making sure all are okay. Its an early start tomorrow (today) at 5am for course familiarisation.”
Fulton believes the Troutbeck event gave the team members time to bond ahead of their travel to South Africa.
“I think all of our athletes, youth and juniors, were really inspired by this past weekend’s event.
“Going home and having probably a couple of days of training again, and then packing their bikes again and leaving for South Africa.
“They have all bonded.
“It will be the first time that quite a few of them have travelled, and that’s what sport is about.
“It’s about the friendships. It’s about seeing the kids just having fun, and it’s not all about the competition, just seeing the achievements and the smiles on their faces, and some win, some don’t, and it’s all about friendship,” said Fulton.
This year Triathlon Zimbabwe are fielding a large youth team with some new faces participating at the championships for the first time.
However, the likes of Rachel O’Donoghue will be out to defend her title in the youth girls (Under-15).
O’Donoghue has had a fine streak at the South Africa Youth Championships, winning gold twice.
On the other hand, the trio of juniors – Stanely Chasakara, Callum Smith and Rohnan Nicholson- will also be chasing better fortunes at the event.
Smith and Chasakara participated in the Junior Africa Cup, finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Speaking after the Africa Junior Cup at Troutbeck, Smith said the race was key towards preparing him for upcoming tough races.
“And this race is very crucial to development towards the tougher races.
“I feel like this race, it really benefits me towards the future races, internationally,” said Smith.
As the attention shifts to the South Africa Championships, Fulton, who expressed satisfaction with the talent displayed during last week’s event, is hoping they carry the momentum to tomorrow’s competition.
Leigh-Anne Young comes in as the assistant coach and Laura O’Donoghue is the team manager.
Team
Under-13 Girls: Alexis Beamish, Olivia Collett, Hannah Hosack.
Under-15 Girls: Rachel O’Donoghue, Olivia Beamish, Bianca Van de Linde.
Under-13 Boys: Alvin Mufute, Daniel Hildebrand.
Under-15 Boys: Zander Botha, Aden Collett, Matthew Hildebrand, Sebastian Goddard, John Goddard, Ta’anashe Makosa, Ethan Donzva.
Under-17 Boys: Rohnan Nicholson, Stanley Chasakara, Callum Smith.
