Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in Nyanga
ZIMBABWE’S young athletes left their mark at the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup at Troutbeck Resort yesterday, with 15-year-old Rachel O’Donoghue producing a breakthrough performance to claim bronze in the elite women’s race.
Competing in the senior field for the first time, the Zimbabwean teenager held her own against seasoned international athletes to finish third behind Germany’s Jule Behrens and Japan’s Himeka Sato.
The result capped a remarkable afternoon for O’Donoghue, who had initially entered the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup, but moved into the elite race after discovering she was the only competitor in her category.
She embraced the challenge.
“I had so much fun today,” she said after crossing the line.
“It was a great experience racing against girls who are much stronger. I really enjoyed it.”
The demanding Nyanga course and wet conditions made the race even tougher.
Rain fell for much of the day, leaving the bike route slippery and forcing athletes to approach the technical sections with caution. O’Donoghue remained composed throughout.
“The weather was tough and the bike route was quite slippery,” she said.
“But overall, I enjoyed it because it was not too hot.”
Before the race, the teenager had spoken about wanting to learn from the experienced athletes around her.
The podium finish suggests that lesson may have come quicker than expected.
While O’Donoghue celebrated a career moment, fellow Zimbabwean Andie Kuipers endured disappointment after pulling out early in the swim due to discomfort in the water.
Behrens, who claimed the elite women’s title, described the Troutbeck course as one of the more demanding on the circuit.
“It was such a hard course, but I had fun and I’m happy with the race,” she said.
Zimbabwe enjoyed further success in the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men’s event, where Zander Botha led a strong local showing to take gold ahead of Callum Smith, while South Africa’s Philip Theron finished third.
Botha handled the tricky conditions with maturity to secure his first gold medal at this level.
“It was a really wet event, so I had to be careful on the bike,” he said.
“I had a really good swim. I got a bit tired halfway through, but I managed to deal with it and finished with a strong run.”
The victory carries added significance for the young Zimbabwean, who believes it strengthens his confidence for future international competitions.
“It shows me that I can compete against international athletes,” said Botha. “It also gives me confidence when I go to race in other countries and represent Zimbabwe.”
Botha says the sport has become central to his life.
“Triathlon is now a habit for me.
“It’s not about forcing myself to train. It’s just part of my life,” he said.
In the elite men’s race, Germany’s Lasse Lührs claimed victory after mastering the challenging course.
Martin Demuth of the Czech Republic finished second, while Germany’s Justus Topper took third place.
“It was a really interesting course and different from others,” said Lührs.
“Winning is always difficult, so I am very happy to come first here.”
With a teenage podium finish in the elite women’s race and a gold medal in the junior men’s category, the Troutbeck event offered a glimpse of Zimbabwe’s growing presence in regional triathlon.
Tinaye Agere