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Shingi Mugabe Sports Reporter
ACE Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry has set herself the target of reaching the finals at FINA World Championships next month.

Coventry said she will use the World Championships to retain her form ahead of the African Games set for Congo-Brazzaville in September.

Zimbabwe’s swimming queen qualified for the World Championship set for Kazan, Russia, from July 24 to August 9 following her splendid performance at the United States of America’s Pro-Swim Series in April.

During the event, Coventry won a silver medal in the 100m backstroke as she posted a world championship qualifying time of 1.00.89.

Coventry also came fourth in the 200m individual medley and came first in the 200m backstroke in a time of 2.12.05.

“Making the finals for the World Championships is a tough goal but I am doing some great work right now.

“I want to make the finals at the World Championships,” she said.

The World Championships are regarded as the second biggest event in swimming after the Olympics.

“The World Championships is the second biggest event to the Olympics so making the cut with ‘A’ qualifying times is a big deal for me,” Coventry said.

“When we qualify for a competition as big as this, many might think it is normal, but it’s certainly not regardless of how many World Champs or Olympics we have been to.

“It is an honour to have made the team.”

Coventry has roped in David Marsh to help with her training along her long-serving mentor Kim Brackin.

“Everything changes, it has to. If you continue to do the same thing, you will get the same results,” she said.

“I am training with a really focused team in Charlotte and I am under my head coach from Auburn University, David Marsh.”