. . . Makwabarara, Smith, Nicholson squad’s youngest athletes at African Games
believe that after a year and with the intensified training, she should be much better.”
He said Mikayla used to swim two-anda-half kilometres per training session in Zimbabwe, but she now swims five km per session, as well as extra lessons on psychology in swimming.
He added: “She is also happy that her underwater, her times and her technique are all improving and this we attribute to the coaching staff in the UK, who recognised that she has talent in a number of techniques, has total determination and believe she can be a great swimmer.
“Her biggest attributes are that she has a very fast stroke, is a quick learner and is very determined. She wants it so much and determination is something that one cannot be taught by coaches.”
Smith will turn 16 in October, while Nicholson will reach that milestone on December 28.
With age firmly on their side, the trio is also being prepared by Team Zimbabwe for more African Games beyond Ghana and future Olympic Games.
The presence of the teenage prodigies in the contingent travelling to Ghana this week underscores Team Zimbabwe’s thrust to have a side that balances youth and experience by using the African Games as a platform to expose emerging talent to the rigours of elite competition.
Triathlon coach Pamela Fulton acknowledged as much.
She said the St John’s College pair of Nicholson and Smith have had to compete in the elite category due to the absence of seniors in the men’s section.
Nicholson and Smith also enjoy a special rivalry, with the former being ranked number one, while the latter is considered the second best.
Fulton said the triathletes would finetune for the Accra event by competing at the Africa Triathlon Cup Maselspoort in South Africa.
“Despite being 15 years and turning 16, they will compete in the Under-19 category; so exceptionally tough going for them but good experience and practice for the Games where they will compete against elite athletes,” Fulton said.
“They have both been in the sport for many years with a great rivalry, always pushing each other in each race.
“They both have similar strengths and weaknesses. Weaker in the swim and exceptionally strong in both the bike and run segment.
“In triathlon, it certainly helps having a strong swim so you can be with the front pack on the bike and help conserve energy by drafting.”
Fulton added that the pair had of late been putting in a good shift in working on their weaknesses.
“Both Rohnan and Callum have worked hard in the swim discipline but still have to work exceptionally hard on the bike playing catch up, and then run the fastest five kilometres they can.
“Unfortunately, Zimbabwe does not have any elite men in triathlon as they tend to leave the country at university age and stop competing in triathlon.
“Callum and Rohnan are our strongest and fastest men in the country, and I am sure they will do us proud. This will be a proud moment for them as they represent their country at such a young age and have the opportunity to compete with the best men in Africa.”
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