Triathlon Names 18-Member Team for SA Championship...

Triathlon Names 18-Member Team for SA Championships

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Triathlon Zimbabwe has officially announced an 18-member team that will represent the nation at the South African Sprint Triathlon Championships in Benoni on March 16, 2025.

This selection comes after a season of intense training and competition, underscoring the dedication and talent of the young athletes who have earned the opportunity to compete on an international stage.

The team is composed of athletes across various age categories. In the Under-13 Girls category, Zimbabwe will be represented by Alexis Beamish, Olivia Collett, and Hannah Hosack. The Under-15 Girls team includes Rachel O’Donoghue, Olivia Beamish, and Bianca Van De Linda.

Meanwhile, the Under-13 Boys category features Alvin Mufute and Daniel Hildebrand. The Under-15 Boys team comprises Zander Botha, Aden Collett, Matthew Hildebrand, Sebastian Goddard, Ta’anashe Makosa, John Goddard, and Ethan Donzva. The Under-17 Boys will be represented by Rohnan Nicholson, Stanley Chasakara, and Callum Smith.

The South African Sprint Triathlon Championships, to be held at the Ebotse Golf and Country Estate in Benoni, is a prestigious event that provides a platform for elite and amateur triathletes to compete in various categories, including the sprint distance.

This championship is a significant fixture on the triathlon calendar, drawing athletes from across the continent and offering them the opportunity to test their skills against top competitors.

In preparation for this event, Triathlon Zimbabwe organized its second annual golf fundraiser on February 7, 2025, at the Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club in Harare. The fundraiser was designed to generate financial support for the young athletes' participation in international competitions.

The event witnessed strong participation from local businesses, individuals, and volunteers, all rallying behind the triathlon community. Sponsors such as the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, KFC Zimbabwe, and CFAO Motors Zimbabwe Ltd played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the fundraiser.

The funds raised through this initiative are earmarked to cover expenses for multiple upcoming events. These include the South African Championships in Benoni on March 16, 2025, a competition in Swakopmund, Namibia, on March 22, 2025, and another major event in Gqeberha, South Africa, on April 5, 2025.

These competitions provide invaluable exposure and experience for Zimbabwe’s young triathletes, allowing them to compete at higher levels and gain international recognition.

The selection of the team, combined with successful fundraising efforts, underscores Triathlon Zimbabwe’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the sport within the country.

As these athletes prepare to represent Zimbabwe on an international stage, the rigorous training they have undergone, along with the unwavering support from their community, positions them well for strong performances.