Ellina Mhlanga — Following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 triathlon season on the weekend, Triathlon Zimbabwe is shifting its focus to the forthcoming Africa Triathlon Championships on account of happen subsequent month in Hurghada, Egypt.
4 athletes — Andie Kuipers, Rohnan Nicholson, Callum Smith, and Zander Botha — made the lower for the championships set to run from April 19 to 21.
Nationwide coach Pamela Fulton confirmed the quartet is anticipated to symbolize the nation in Egypt.
“4 athletes have certified to compete at Africa Championships Hurghada Egypt in April. At this stage, it seems that 4 athletes will journey, together with Andie Kuipers.
“Within the meantime, Andie has travelled to coach in Switzerland in preparation for the championships.
“Our group will depart in three weeks to satisfy Andie in Hurghada.
“I’ll keep on in Hurghada to facilitate a junior improvement camp on behalf of World Triathlon,” mentioned Fulton.
Rachel O’Donoghue lower the championships however is not going to be travelling.
Kuipers, Smith, and Nicholson had been a part of Workforce Zimbabwe on the African Video games in Ghana.
As they put together for his or her subsequent task, they are going to be out to construct on the expertise and publicity from the continental multi-sport occasion.
Fulton, who can also be Triathlon Zimbabwe vice-president mentioned among the main highlights for the season embrace being one of many 10 sport codes chosen to be a part of Workforce Zimbabwe for the thirteenth version of the African Video games.
They’ve additionally had among the upcoming athletes similar to Mandlenkosi Mthethwa and Duwan Each attending improvement camps.
“It has been a busy season and it is arduous to consider it is already full.
“Triathlon was very proud to be chosen by SRC (Sport and Recreation Fee) and Ministry to symbolize Zimbabwe on the thirteenth Africa Video games (in) Accra. Our younger group consisted of Andie Kuipers, Lorna Doorman, Callum Smith, and Rohnan Nicholson.
“Every athlete raced extremely properly within the sizzling and humid situations. Andie narrowly missed a medal, coming in fourth place.
“This season a few of our athletes have been lucky sufficient to attend Africa Cup occasions linked to camps organised by World Triathlon.
“I travelled with Mandla Mthethwa to Kenya as I used to be facilitating a camp linked to a Growth race. Andie additionally participated and gained the girl’s race,” mentioned Fulton.
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The seasoned coach additionally facilitated a junior improvement camp in Mauritius earlier within the season, final 12 months. For the camp in Mauritius, Fulton travelled with Botha, who participated within the camp and competed in two races.
Kuipers additionally competed in Mauritius and gained a silver medal on the Africa Triathlon Dash Championships in Blue Bay.
The limelight will probably be on her being essentially the most skilled within the group.
Kuipers believes coaching with among the finest athletes as she prepares for the Africa Triathlon Championships will go a good distance in elevating her efficiency.
“I’m already in Switzerland on a coaching camp to Switzerland for a month after which I will probably be heading to the African Championships in April.
“And I’m getting ready for this race by occurring a camp in Switzerland to be with my coach and athletes who’re a lot better than me as a result of I must encompass myself with people who find themselves higher than me in order that I can elevate my efficiency,” mentioned Kuipers.
She will probably be hoping for a greater end result after coming fourth on the just-ended African Video games in Accra, Ghana, and in addition decide some factors as she seeks qualification for the Olympic Video games.