Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe’s rising triathlon stars are set for a crucial test this weekend as they take on the continent’s best at the Africa Triathlon Championships in Gqeberha, South Africa. With the competition scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the young athletes are eager to make a mark on the continental stage.
Triathlon Zimbabwe has assembled a seven-member junior and youth team, led by seasoned coach Pamela Fulton. The squad departed for South Africa yesterday, determined to deliver strong performances in the high-stakes event.
Callum Smith and Stanley Chasakara will compete in the junior category, taking on the Under-17 Super-Sprint and the Under-19 Sprint, while the youth division will feature Zander Botha, Matthew Hildebrand, Ethan Donzva, Rachel O’Donoghue and Olivia Beamish in the Under-15 Super-Sprint.
Smith, a strong contender in the competition, is brimming with confidence after months of rigorous training.
“I have put in a lot of work to prepare for this event. Benoni and Troutbeck were great warm-up races, and they have helped me get ready for what’s ahead,” said Smith. “The Africa Championships will be tougher than the South African and Zimbabwean Championships, but I’m excited to see how I perform on this big stage.”
Several members of the team, including Botha, O’Donoghue and Beamish, impressed at the recent South Africa Junior and Youth Championships with podium finishes. They will be aiming to build on those successes as they compete against top talent from across Africa.
The team will also link up with Zimbabwe’s leading triathlete, Andie Kuipers, who is set to compete in the championships as she continues her pursuit of international ranking points. Her long-term goal is to position herself for qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games when the qualification window opens.
Meanwhile, Smith recently earned recognition at the 2024 Annual National Sports Awards, where he was named first runner-up for the Junior Sportsman of the Year award. He finished behind athletics sprinter David Nyamufarira, who claimed the top accolade, while fellow triathlete, Rohnan Nicholson came third.
“I feel incredibly honoured to be among the top three junior athletes in the country. This recognition is a huge motivation for me and it drives me to work even harder,” Smith said.
Nicholson, who also qualified for the Africa Championships, opted not to travel with the team as he shifts his focus to cycling.
“Right now, Gqeberha doesn’t align with my goals. I’m focusing on cycling for the rest of the year, but who knows? I might return to triathlon in the future,” Nicholson said.
With a blend of experience, determination and youthful energy, Zimbabwe’s triathletes are ready to take on Africa’s best and test their mettle in Gqeberha.
Zimbabwe’s Youth and Junior Squad:
Callum Smith (Under-17 Super-Sprint, Under-19 Sprint)
Stanley Chasakara (Under-17 Super-Sprint, Under-19 Sprint)
Zander Botha (Under-15 Super-Sprint)
Matthew Hildebrand (Under-15 Super-Sprint)
Ethan Donzva (Under-15 Super-Sprint)
Rachel O’Donoghue (Under-15 Super-Sprint)
Olivia Beamish (Under-15 Super-Sprint)
