Zimpapers Logo

Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter

FOLLOWING their participation at the African Games, Triathlon Zimbabwe national coach Pamela Fulton says they will continue to support and nurture their athletes so that they realise their full potential.

Triathlon had four athletes — Andie Kuipers, Lorna Doorman, Rohnan Nicholson, and Callum Smith competing at the ongoing Games in Accra, Ghana. 

It is one of the 10 sports codes Zimbabwe is competing in at the continental show-piece. 

They had their competition last Friday with the best performance coming from Kuipers, who finished fourth while Doorman, competing in the elite women for the first time placed sixth out of 17 athletes. 

Upcoming juniors, Smith and Nicholson, also making their maiden appearance at the elite level finished in positions 13 and 18 respectively out of 21 participants in the men’s section.

“All four athletes have huge potential in triathlon and we as a federation acknowledge their talent and will continue to support and nurture them as they continue to grow and develop within our sport. 

“Both boys have put themselves on the map, having shown such courage against a strong elite field,” said Fulton.

With Kuipers being the most experienced for the team at the African Games, for Doorman and the upcoming juniors Smith and Nicholson, the focus was more on the athletes gaining exposure and development. 

Fulton, who is also Triathlon Zimbabwe’s vice president, described their participation as a fantastic experience.

“What a fantastic experience the Games have been for each member of the triathlon team. Andie and I travelled to the Games in 2019, so we had an idea of what to expect. 

“To meet and spend time with our Zimbabwean team from other sporting codes was special. To also meet and compete with triathletes from throughout Africa was a great experience. 

“Our triathlon team excelled on race day and I am so proud of each member of the team. They coped well with the enormity of the event, always gave their best, and enjoyed the experience. 

“Being a pool swimmer at this level was a new experience for most triathletes and I was interested to see how this would impact on the event. 

“Our two boys were the youngest on the start line and they had to share a lane with three athletes, which made the swim interesting. 

“They excelled on the bike catching and overtaking other athletes. They worked together for part of the bike before Rohnan broke away. They dismounted the bike fairly close to each other. 

“Callum had a very good transition and ran well keeping a good pace finishing in an excellent 13th place. Rohnan battled a bit on the run but pushed hard finishing well in 18th place. 

“Thank you to the Zimbabwe team who came to support our triathletes and witnessed their excellent performance,” said Fulton. 

The trio of Kuipers, Smith, and Nicholson are now expected to compete at the upcoming Africa Championships in Hurghada, Egypt next month. 

After missing out on the Olympic points at the African Games, Kuipers will be hoping for a better outcome in Egypt. 

“Andie just missed out on Olympic ranking points and we are waiting to hear whether world ranking points will be awarded. 

“In just five weeks’ time Andie, Rohnan, and Callum will be competing at the Africa Championships in Hurghada, Egypt. They will be quite high points again. 

“Andie will be competing over the Olympic distance whilst Rohnan and Callum will compete once again in the Under-19 Junior category,” said Fulton.