ZOC back more athletes for Olympics
IN the face of the dwindling number of Zimbabwean athletes qualifying for the Olympics, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee are activating channels to help sports-persons attain qualification for the biggest global sporting show-piece to be staged in Paris, France this year.
Only two athletes-Stephen Cox of rowing and marathon star Isaac Mpofu have so far secured their tickets for the 2024 Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11.
While golfer Scott Vincent, swimmers Denilson Cyprianos and Page Van der Westhuizen, sprinter Tapiwa Makarawu, judoka Majaji Musariri and triathlete Andy Kuipers are projected to also make the roster in France, ZOC are leaving nothing to chance as they want to ensure that not only a better field makes it but the country also stands a better chance to pick some medals.
They have put their weight behind a boys relay team of Makarawu, Makanaka Charamba, Ngoni Makusha and Dickson Kamungeremu who will be seeking qualification in the World Relay Championships to be held in Bahamas in May.
The quartet should secure a top-14 place to make it to the Olympics.
ZOC Marketing Officer Chido Manuwa yesterday said her organisation was readying resources to help athletes qualify for the global fiesta.
“We already have two athletes who have made it to Paris. We still have a lot of hopefuls including golfer Scott Vincent with at least one swimmer; possibly
Denilson Cyprianos or Page Van der Westhuizen taking that spot; or both of them.
“In athletics, sprinter Tapiwa Makarawu is also projected to qualify. Judo athlete Majaji Musariri also has a good chance. Triathlete Andy Kuipers is pushing for qualification and is expected to participate in the 2024 Olympics for exposure, with a focus on Los Angeles 2028 as her ultimate goal,” said Manuwa.
“We are working flat out as well with NAAZ to ensure that the relay team to participate in Bahamas in May also make the grade. The team has already shared their wish list and budget to which that is already being looked into.
“Of course the initial target was to ensure direct qualification of at least 10 individual sport athletes and one team sport for Paris 2024. Unfortunately, both the Cheetahs and Lady Cheetahs fell short, so now we are targeting individual athletes. Despite this setback, we are fully committed to identifying and supporting individual athletes who have the potential to qualify and represent Zimbabwe with distinction.
“We are working tirelessly with national sports federations and various corporates to ensure that our athletes have access to top-notch training camps and qualification opportunities. Our goal is to provide our athletes with the best possible training and support to compete at their best on the global stage.”
Manuwa said ZOC has a blueprint, which they will implement to ensure that athletes who qualify for the Olympics this year compete for medals.