Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports
ZIMBABWE’S rising triathlon stars Zander Botha and Rachel O’Donoghue are expected to lead a five-member youth team that will compete at the 2026 Africa Triathlon Championships Hurghada, Egypt.
The continental event is due to take place from October 9 to 11, with youth men and women, elite men and women as well as the Under-23 men and women participating in their respective categories.
For the youth team, Triathlon Zimbabwe named five triathletes – John Goddard, Botha, O’Donoghue and, also included the Beamish sisters – Olivia and Alexis.
O’Donoghue, Botha and Olivia will compete in the Under-17 age-group while Alexis and Goddard are Zimbabwe’s representatives in the Under-15.
The five earned their qualification to the championships based on their results from the South Africa Youth and Junior Championships as well as the Zimbabwe National Championships, and the Africa Junior Championships held earlier this year.
The likes of O’Donoghue, Botha and Olivia have been to the continental showpiece before, competing in the Under-15 age group, and they move to the Under-17 at the forthcoming event.
Botha emerged top last year while O’Donoghue picked up silver in the Under-15 boys and girls’ categories respectively.
National coach Pamela Fulton said besides medals, the continental showpiece is important for exposure and experience of competing at this level.
“The Africa Youth Championships consist of the Under-15 and Under-17 categories.
“These athletes all race together over the super-sprint distance and then the results are separated into the different age categories.
“Last year these championships were held in Gqeberha, South Africa where Rachel, Olivia and Zander competed in the Under-15 category. Zander won his category whilst Rachel came second.
“It’s an exciting and inclusive experience for our youngsters,” said Fulton.
There is also a mixed relay event on the programme.
Australia-based Andie Kuipers is expected to be part of the field in the elite women and will meet with the youth team in Egypt.
And Fulton apart from the individual events, Fulton is hoping they can also make up a team for the relay event.
“The team which travels will meet Andie Kuipers in Hurghada.
“The relay consists of two males and two females. Hopefully we have enough athletes traveling to enter the mixed team relay once again.
“Last year Rachel and Olivia were exposed to competing in the elite mixed team relay for the first time where our team won the silver medal. An exceptional achievement by our young team,” added Fulton.
The likes of Botha and O’Donoghue had a good season, registering some key performances at events such as the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup events.
With the local season now on break, and expected to return around September, they will be looking at early pre-season preparations to kick-start the 2026-2027 programme on a high, to ensure they are ready for the championships.
