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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

AFTER successfully holding the World Triathlon Level One coaches course in September, Triathlon Zimbabwe are hoping it complements their efforts to grow the sport from the grassroots in different provinces.

The course was held in September with eight coaches taking part.

The course included one month online pre-course work, five-day interactive practical course and two weeks to complete and submit an assignment to World Triathlon.

The eight coaches are Helen Mitchell, Leigh-Anne Young, Stacy Bhana, Marcel Paulser, Nick Nyahuye, Owen Tanetswa Dinhidza, Ronny Mutopo and Taona-Nyasha Muchochomi.

Initially nine coaches had been selected but one of the coaches could not attend due to other commitments.

Triathlon Zimbabwe vice-president Pamela Fulton said all the eight coaches excelled and have been moved onto the World Triathlon coaches list.

“All eight coaches excelled.

“They have now officially been moved onto the World Triathlon coaches list.”

The national association is looking at spreading the sport that has been mainly dominant in Harare to other provinces and in schools.

“We have newly qualified coaches from Bulawayo. Triathlon used to thrive many years ago in Bulawayo, so emphasis will be placed on supporting these coaches to resuscitate triathlon there, once again.

“These eight coaches have already shown enthusiasm and are working hard within their individual sphere of influence to promote and grow our sport.

“We have coaches who are already within schools, so we hope to start building momentum within the schools.

“Duathlon is another area of development we are focusing on with our new coaches,” said Fulton.

Fulton said they are grateful to their international governing body World Triathlon, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity for making it possible to hold the course.