ZIMBABWE’S leading junior girls triathlete Rachel O'Donaghue stamped her authority on the continent after bagging a gold medal at the South African Triathlon Championships in Maselspoort, South Africa over the weekend.
Compatriot Olivia Beamish claimed bronze in the U15 girls category, while Zander Botha made his presence felt in the U15 boys event with another bronze medal.
Zimbabwe returned home with three medals, the gold and two bronze, earning plaudits from Triathlon Zimbabwe coach Pam Fulton.
“Yes some very good performances by our youths, juniors and elites in SA Maselspoort. It was an honour to travel with the team and witness them racing,” Fulton told NewsDay Sport.
“The team coming home with three medals in the youth category is fantastic and a big improvement on last year. It’s very encouraging for the future of our sport.”
Fulton commended the team's resilience under very hot conditions.
“For us the day started with our three junior boys competing, then Andie raced midday and the 10 youths had a long wait until 2pm when their race started,” she said.
“The conditions were extremely hot with temperatures rising to the early 30s. The athletes coped well with the conditions and gave their absolute best knowing it was their qualifying race for Africa Champs. We wait for the selectors to announce the team for AC.”
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Meanwhile, Andie Kuipers the country's sole elite representative kept pushing for her Olympic dream with an eighth place finish in Maselspoort.
“She placed eighth lady. Her swim was good managing to stay with the front pack for most of the swim,” added Fulton. “She was happy to place higher than the lady from Finland for the first time.”
Team:
Under-13 Boys
Daniel Nicholson, Sebastian Goddard, John Goddard, Seth Cameron.
Under-15 Boys
Zander Botha, Matthew Hildebrand, Xander Stevenson, Ta’anashe Makosa, Ethan Donza.
Under-15 Girls
Rachel O’Donoghue, Olivia Beamish, Bianca Van de Linde.
