Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe resume competitions next month with two full-house events at Mount Pleasant as they gear up for different tours.
The first event for 2026 is scheduled for January 11, and will be followed by another full house competition on January 25.
The next event will be on February 8. All the three competitions will feature the youth and juniors selection races.
The races will be key for the Africa Triathlon Junior Championships build-up.
The continental showpiece is pencilled for February 14 to 15 in Egypt and will also serve as the second and final eligibility race for the Youth Olympic Games.
Going into the holidays break, national coach Pamela Fulton said they are anticipating a busy second half of the season.
“The second half of the season will be an exceptionally busy one with three tours and our flagship Troutbeck event in March.
“Our first event is 11th January being the final selection race for juniors hoping to qualify for Africa Championships, which is the final YOG eligibility race.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics are scheduled for October 31 to November 13.
The first eligibility race was held in November in Kenya, and Zimbabwe got their campaign to try and secure slots to the YOG on a positive note with Zander Botha and Rachel O’Donoghue placing second in the boys’ and girls’ categories.
As they brace for the final race, Triathlon Zimbabwe will be hoping they can field all squad members for the final race.
The other members of the squad are Olivia Beamish, Matthew Hildebrand, Ethan Donzva and Xander Stevenson.
As she reflected on the first half of the season, Fulton expressed satisfaction with the progress the youth and junior athletes are making.
Highlights so far include, Botha and O’Donoghue’s participation in a development camp and competing in the YOG eligibility race in November.
“Once again it was a busy first half of the season, which included two well-supported school series events, five selection events and a YOG camp and eligibility race in Kilifi, Kenya which Zander Botha and Rachel O’Donoghue attended and excelled, both coming second.”
The Schools Series returns in March with the final race, having already staged two events.
In his holiday message to their members, Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O’Donoghue acknowledged the strides being made on the Schools Series.
“One of the true highlights of the year has been the continued growth of our junior school’s triathlon series.
“Seeing over 100 children lining up at each race has been nothing short of inspiring. The energy, excitement and sportsmanship on display at these events remind us why developing the next generation of athletes is so important.
“On the international stage, Zimbabwean athletes have continued to make us proud.
“Rachel O’Donoghue and Zander Botha both travelled to Kilifi, Kenya, where they attended a development camp and delivered outstanding performances, each returning home with silver medals.
“Competing away from home against a strong field is never easy, and these results speak volumes about their commitment, preparation and resilience and they continue to prepare for YOG in October 2026,” he said.
Their leading triathlete Andie Kuipers also had some good moments, winning gold in the under-23 category and bronze in the elite women’s at the Africa Triathlon Sprint Championships held in Egypt in September.
“We are also incredibly proud of Andie Kuipers, who represented Zimbabwe in Egypt, continuing her strong run of international racing and flying the flag high for our country.
“Performances like these inspire our younger athletes and show what is possible with dedication and support.
“It is inspiring to watch Andie’s commitment to triathlon as she focuses on LA28 Olympics. We are also extremely honoured that Andie was awarded the Olympic solidarity scholarship, that will help her focus on LA28.
“We look forward to an exciting year ahead, with more racing, more development opportunities and even bigger goals for our athletes at home and abroad,” said O’Donoghue.
Besides the Africa Championships, they are looking at the usual tours in South Africa and their flagship event — the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup scheduled for March.
