Katai for Fina championships

ZIMBABWE-BASED Donata Katai has been named as one of the four athletes to represent the country at the 19th FINA World Championships scheduled for June 18-25 at the Duna Arena in Budapest, Hungary.

The Zimbabwe Aquatic Union Swimming Board of Control has announced that a four-member team of Katai, Denilson Cyprianos and Nomvula Mjimba, who are both based in the US as well Liam Davis who is based in England will represent the country at the event.

Coach Masi Takaedza will mentor the swimmers for this assignment.

Takaedza, who has been leading swimming teams on various occasions, said he was elated by the new assignment and has already started working with the team in preparation for the championships.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to coach the team on this assignment and I’m looking forward to the competition. All selected swimmers are training and preparing for the competition. There is not much time before the gala and so far all swimmers are giving it a 100%,” said Takaedza.

Given the limited time to prepare for this showpiece, Takaedza noted that there was need for more training sessions and also having access to a heated pool in order to acclimatise the swimmers to the standards of the competition.

Although Katai is the only one based in Zimbabwe, Takaedza said he would be co-ordinating with those outside the country and see the progress they would be making.

“We are getting reports on their training programmes and preparations. We will meet them in Budapest towards our competition,” he said.

The 18-year-old Katai made headlines last year when she became the first black Zimbabwean swimmer to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games where she recorded her personal best time.