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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S swimmers Donata Katai and Denilson Cyprianos could not progress to the semi-finals in their respective events yesterday at the ongoing World Aquatic Championships in Doha, Qatar.
The championships consisting of artistic swimming, diving, swimming, water polo, and open water swimming began on February 2 and run until February 18.
The swimming competition got underway on Sunday.
Zimbabwe has a four-member team made up of United States-based Katai and Cyprianos, Liam Davis, and Paige Van Der Westhuizen.
Katai finished sixth in the women’s 100m backstroke in 1 minute 04.51 seconds, in Heat Three. Her entry time was 1 minute 04.85 seconds.
Cyprianos was fourth in the men’s backstroke in 56.82 seconds in Heat Three. Both swimmers missed the top 16 to advance to the semi-finals.
Katai was ranked 36 out of 56 swimmers and Cyprianos was placed 34 out of 53 swimmers from the six Heats.
However, Masi Takaedza, who is the coach in charge of the team for this tour, expressed satisfaction with the performance.
“The expectation as usual is to get new personal best times. I can’t ask for more.
“It’s a good time for the year but still a bit off her (Katai) PB. She swam a good race. She was ranked 36th out of 56 swimmers.
“Deni swam a 56.82 and finished 4th in his heat. This is the second time he has gone under 57 seconds. We are happy with that.
“I am happy with the swimmer’s performance today and I look forward to the remainder of the championships,” said Takaedza.
The swimmers are also pushing for points as they are aiming for qualification, for the Olympic Games.
“This is a very crucial event as this may be the last Olympic qualifier. Swimmers will battle it out to get the highest World Aquatics points for selection. The main goal is to get as close as possible to the B cut times,” Takaedza said.
Katai is now scheduled to compete in the 50m backstroke tomorrow, while Cyprianos is back in action on Thursday for the 200m backstroke.
UK-based Davis, who is competing in 200m breaststroke was expected in Doha yesterday. He is competing on Thurs-day as well as Van Der Westhuizen, who will be up for women’s 100m freestyle.
Van Der Westhuizen will conclude her participation at the championships with the 50m freestyle event on Saturday.
The four swimmers have been to major competitions before with Katai having made her maiden appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games that were held in 2021.
Zimbabwe Swimming acting chairperson Patience Kalipengule said the championships present the swimmers with a chance to improve their times.
“These championships will give them a chance to improve their times giving them a better chance to qualify. We are confident and have no doubt they will do their best in achieving their goals,” said Kalipengule.
Online Reporter