December 2023
Dear Triathlon members, supporters and sponsors,
As we draw closer to Christmas, and the year is winding down, it’s a good time to look back on what the 2023-2024 triathlon season has delivered so far.
We had a cracking start to the season at the National Duathlon champs, held at Donnybrook in September where we got to see who had been using the winter weather as an excuse, and who had been training in the cold! The cyclists always give the triathletes a run for their money at this event, but I am happy to report that the triathletes held their own this year! Congratulations to SA-based Patrige Chimwendo who took the Men’s Championship title.
One of our first events at Mt Pleasant was the annual Pink Day Triathlon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Cancer Centre. A massive thank you to Debi Jeans and her team for a fantastic event. A big thank you to all who dressed up and supported the event!
Rohnan Nicholson and Callum Smith were in full flight by this stage of the season as they were preparing for the Africa Triathlon Champs in Egypt. Both boys represented their country and made us all so proud. Rohnan came away with a 3rd place Bronze Medal in the U17 Boys Triathlon event, and Callum came away with a 2nd Place Silver Medal and Rohnan taking the 3rd Place Bronze in the Duathlon event held the following day. It was a great honour for me to present these two fine young athletes with their National Youth Colours on their return to Zimbabwe.
The Ryan Collett Memorial Triathlon at Springvale School has become a highlight on my calendar and was a time to remember one of our members, Ryan Collett, who passed away earlier this year. Fast, technical racing, smooth roads and an all-round fantastic venue. A big thank you to Paul Martin, and the Springvale team for an amazing event!
We then moved up into the mountains to Smallbridge Dam, Penhalonga. It was the first time that I have been to Penhalonga and I was blown away. The setting is incredible, the water warm, roads smooth, and the TO’s and volunteers made sure all the events ran seamlessly. If you are reading this newsletter and haven’t been to this event, I suggest you put it onto your Calendar for next year, you will not be disappointed.
Our Christmas event was held last weekend at a new venue on Luna Road. We took advantage of the newly tarred Luna and Umwinsidale Roads to hold a time trial ride. It was great to have a few of the cyclists join our event but I think a lot of them knew the pain and suffering that was in store for them out on that hilly course where the “wall” claimed a few victims in the blistering heat. We then went on the open water swim in Ryelands Dam and despite a bit of weed everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Stay tuned for more exciting events at this venue …..
I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone behind the scenes that makes these events possible. To everyone – the Rigger crew, the Technical Officials and volunteers at each event, triathlon would not be what it is today without all your support – THANK YOU.
To all of our season and Troutbeck sponsors, you are all amazing. Zimbabwe is a tough place to do business but the kindness, generosity and support from all of you goes above and beyond and we really appreciate all the support.
Looking forward to 2024 and the second half of the season, we will be back in action on 14th January at Mount Pleasant Pool. Our Youth and Juniors will be gearing up for the SA Champs at Maselspoort in South Africa in early February.
Our flagship event, the 2024 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup & Multisport Festival takes place at Troutbeck Inn Resort on 17th February – this is definitely not one to miss. Zimbabwe will be represented in the Africa Triathlon Cup and Africa Triathlon Junior Cup events and our National Triathlon Championships will be held. In addition, there will be a variety of non-championship events in all disciplines – triathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, duathlon, MTB, off-road triathlon, Open Water Swim and a new event, the Troutbeck Trail Run. There is something for everyone of all capabilities to participate in – a truly multisport experience.
To all of you who support Triathlon Zimbabwe, have an amazing Christmas break, but remember, every mince pie is 1km of running…… Stay Fit and Stay Safe.
Yours in sport
ROSS O’DONOGHUE
PRESIDENT
