Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING the conclusion of the 2023-2024 triathlon season at the weekend, Triathlon Zimbabwe are shifting their focus to the Africa Triathlon Championships next month in Hurghada, Egypt.
Four athletes — Andie Kuipers, Rohnan Nicholson, Callum Smith and Zander Botha — made the cut for the championships set to run from April 19 to 21.
National coach, Pamela Fulton, said:
“Four athletes have qualified to compete at Africa Championships, Hurghada, Egypt, in April. At this stage it appears that four athletes will travel, which includes Andie Kuipers.
“In the meantime, Andie has travelled to train in Switzerland in preparation for the championships.
“Our team will depart in three weeks’ time to meet Andie in Hurghada.
“I will stay on in Hurghada to facilitate a junior development camp on behalf of World Triathlon,” said Fulton.
Rachel O’Donoghue made the cut for the championships but will not be travelling.
Kuipers, Smith and Nicholson were part of Team Zimbabwe at the African Games in Ghana.
Fulton, who is also Triathlon Zimbabwe vice-president, said some of the major highlights for the season include being one of the 10 sport codes selected to be part of Team Zimbabwe for the 13th edition of the African Games.
They have also had some of the upcoming athletes such as Mandlenkosi Mthethwa and Duwan Both attending development camps.
“It’s been a busy season and it’s hard to believe it’s already complete.
“Triathlon was very proud to be selected by SRC (Sport and Recreation Commission) and Ministry to represent Zimbabwe at the 13th Africa Games (in) Accra.
“Each athlete raced incredibly well in the hot and humid conditions. Andie narrowly missed a medal, coming in fourth place.
“This season some of our athletes have been fortunate enough to attend Africa Cup events connected to camps organised by World Triathlon.”
