Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SWIMMING coach Masi Takaedza says they are looking at grooming swimmers who believe in themselves as the World Aquatics Championships draw to a close.
The championships featured six aquatic disciplines – water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water, high diving and swimming.
The swimming competition got off last Sunday and ends tomorrow.
Zimbabwe had the quartet of Cory Werrett, Joash Mckonie, Paige Van Der Westhuizen and Anje Van As competing at the championships.
It has been a tough outing for the Zimbabwean swimmers, who could not go beyond the heats.
Van As and Werrett had their last events on Wednesday while Mckonie wrapped up his participation with the men’s 50m freestyle yesterday. He finished sixth in 24.21seconds in heat six of the 13 heats.
Overall, he placed 74 out of 116 swimmers.
Van der Westhuizen competed in the women’s 100m freestyle on Thursday and she came fourth, in heat five in 57.70seconds. She was ranked 42 out of 82 participants.
She was scheduled to compete in the 50m freestyle this morning.
“We are not just here to race, we are here to grow, and that’s exactly what we are doing…We will continue building strong, positive mindsets, swimmers who believe in themselves and in the process,” said Takaedza.
Werrett wrapped up his participation on Wednesday with a personal best in the men’s 100m freestyle.
Swimming in heat one of 12 heats, he was the first to touch the wall in 51.93seconds. His previous time was 52.40seconds.
However, his effort was not good enough to take him through to the next round. The top 16 proceeded to the semi-finals.
The Zimbabwean swimmer was ranked 63 overall out of 110 participants in the heats.
Rising swimmer Anje Van As was also up for the women’s 200m butterfly on Wednesday and she managed a seventh-place finish in 2minutes 19.43seconds in heat two of three heats on the programme.
Overall, she was placed 23 out of 27 swimmers. Takaedza is convinced participating at the championships will help to build confidence going forward.
“Cory posting a personal best is a fantastic achievement. It is a reward for consistent hard work and staying focused under pressure. We are proud of that step forward.”
Van As, a gold medallist at the Africa Aquatics Junior Championships and the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games, has been making encouraging progress since she transitioned from triathlon, to focus on swimming.
After this meet, Van As joins Mikayla Makwabarara and Tori Dawe for the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships due to take place from August 19 to 24 in Romania.
Speaking after Van As’ race on Wednesday, Takaedza said it has not been an easy outing but noted that she remains positive, which is important ahead of her next assignment.
“For Anje, finishing seventh in her heat may not have been the outcome she wanted, but it’s part of the journey.
“Racing at this level is not easy, and every swim builds experience, toughness, and confidence. Her attitude remains positive, and that’s something we really value,” said Takaedza.
