Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S next generation of track and field talent heads to Mauritius this week carrying more than medal hopes.
For many of the athletes selected for the Southern African Confederation of Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 Championships, the regional meet represents a crucial step towards bigger stages, with places at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships also on the line.
The three-day competition, which starts on Friday, will bring together some of Southern Africa’s brightest young athletes, offering Zimbabwe’s youngsters a chance to test themselves against the region’s best while chasing qualifying standards for the global championships scheduled for August in the United States.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president Tendayi Tagara believes the event remains one of the most important building blocks in an athlete’s journey.
Zimbabwe is expected to field a 22-member team after initially targeting a squad of 20.
“This is where development starts,” said Tagara.
“That is where we expect athletes to begin finding themselves on the global stage. They get the opportunity to push themselves, compare with other athletes and learn how others are training and competing.
“They gain exposure and experience that is critical for their growth.”
Beyond medals, the championships provide a valuable benchmark for athletes looking to measure their progress and improve personal best performances.
Tagara said Zimbabwe’s junior athletes have consistently shown their ability to compete strongly at regional level and expects that trend to continue in Mauritius.
“We expect our athletes to produce good times. For example, our sprinters should be looking at running 10.4 seconds or better if they want to compete seriously at the highest level.
“We are expecting them to improve and perform well.
“We are very confident of winning medals because that has always been our tradition. Our juniors have generally performed well at this level.
“The challenge has always been sustaining that progress into the senior ranks because of issues around facilities, training opportunities and the demands of the modern sport environment. But for this competition, we are targeting a good number of medals.”
The championships arrive at a critical stage of the season, with the qualification window for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships nearing its close.
That makes Mauritius more than just another regional competition.
For several athletes, it could be the final opportunity to secure qualification marks and strengthen their case for selection to the world event.
