14 excited athletes departed on 10 Feb for SA Youth Championships and the U19 Junior African Cup event to be held in Maselspoort resort, Bloemfontein. The team consisted of 9 Youth and 5 juniors. Only 3 athletes had previously travelled on triathlon tour before so a real adventure for most.
Spirits were high until we arrived at the race venue and then reality set in. Nerves set in but fortunately calmed by race day after a thorough course familiarisation and briefing.
Race day was a very early start for our U13 & U15 Youth. The females began at 8 and 2 minutes later the males. It was an exciting start as Zimbabwe’s Anje Van As lead out the water with Tayleigh Taylor close behind. Anje continued to lead the race right to the end but had to fight at the end to win the sprint finish by 4 seconds against a South African girl. Tayleigh and Nichole Madya raced well and finished in the top 10 in the U15 category, whilst Chloe Steenkamp relatively new to triathlon excelled and finished 3rd winning the bronze medal in the U13 category.
Zimbabwe had 4 males competing against an exceptionally tough field in the U15 category. Well done to Rohnan Nicholson and Callum Smith who finished 8th and 10th respectively.
The afternoons racing included the U19 juniors and elite athletes competing over an exciting technical course, very typical for World Triathlon Cup style racing. The athletes lapped through transition over the traditional blue carpet for each lap. A fantastic experience enjoyed by all 5 of our Juniors.
All juniors raced well against an exceptionally fast field, with Duwan Botha the first Zimbabwean crossing the finish line in 12th position in the boys field whilst Jessica Fuller finished 6th in the ladies field and Emma Lidsba 7th.
Fantastic for our athletes to be on tour again and doing what they love most. They raised the Zim flag high and once again were commended for their good manners 👏
Thanks to all the traveling mums and dads for all your help throughout the week and for getting up early and cooking breakfast for our Youth team.
