Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Anje Van As, this past season has been mainly a learning curve as she continues to make notable progress as one of the promising swimmers for Zimbabwe.
Van As is earmarked for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualification.
With the swimming qualification window for 2028 yet to open, Van As has been focusing on establishing a solid foundation for herself.
And she is excited to have wrapped-up her season on a high after claiming five individual medals at the Africa Aquatics Senior and Junior Championships early this month in Oran, Algeria.
It was her debut in the senior category at the continental meet, and announced her arrival with a bang, bagging gold medals in 200m and 100m butterfly events.
She went on to claim silver in 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley, and a bronze in the 50m butterfly.
The continental championships remain one of her major highlights for the season.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Van As expressed satisfaction with how the season turned out for her.
“This past season has been busy with lots of racing, so I was glad to finish off the season on a good note.
“The 200m fly race is always tough but so rewarding, and I was so excited to be able to hold the standard of last year’s 200m fly race.
“The 100m fly was a battle, swimming with such strong women, so I was really glad to be able to win the 100m fly as well,” said Van As.
Her first 200m butterfly gold medal at the continental platform was last year when she emerged top in the event at the 16th Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
She repeated the same feat in Algeria, and this time around at the senior level.
Van As’ 27.66 seconds in the 50m butterfly event, powered her to bronze in Algeria whole also setting a new national record.
She was part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team that won a silver medal and shattered a 27-year-old national record.
Their time was 3 minutes 52.35 seconds.
The team included Mikayla Makwabarara, Alexis Johnsen and Paige Van Der Westhuizen
“Breaking the 50m fly record was an amazing feeling as I had been chasing that time for a while now, so to get it on the last gala of the season felt so rewarding.
“I am really happy with my performance at my first senior level Africa Championships gala.
“These performances have shown me that I am a step in the right direction towards qualifying for LA2028.”
