What’s next for Zim swimming?
IT’S been six years since swimming icon Kirsty Coventry called time on her career as an athlete, having hoisted Zimbabwe’s flag high at major competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
The seven- time Olympic medallist, who is now the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, remains the most decorated Olympian from Africa.
Back home she is an inspiration to many.
But six years after her retirement, the question is, is Zimbabwe ever going to have another swimmer who can reach or surpass the achievements made by Coventry?
As a country, what systems have been put in place to enable the upcoming and aspiring young swimmers to even dream of getting to that level?
There have been several promising swimmers, some who have gotten scholarships abroad, just like Coventry, to pursue both academic and their passion in swimming.
But it appears there is still a long way before the nation can witness another success story as that of Coventry.
Swimming coach Masi Takaedza, who has been on several tours with swimmers on national duty, says there is need to acknowledge the talent and achievements at various level and build on that.
Zimbabwe have had upcoming swimmers doing well in regional competitions such as the African Union Sports Council Region Five Youth Games, South Africa Junior Nationals and the CANA Zone IV.
But it seems there us a gap that draws them back from making that major breakthrough at an international stage.
“As the most successful Olympic athlete to ever come out of Africa, what Kirsty Coventry achieved will always be difficult for anyone to achieve that or replicate.
“In my opinion, we need more swimming clubs which gives more young swimmers an opportunity to get training. Clubs are the heart and soul of any national sport effort. So building a healthy and thriving club system is vital to performance in any sport.
“A club system would strengthen our sport by producing more athletes and coaches. We need to take another look at the club system. What can be done to strengthen and grow the system?
“Once you get more young athletes on board you need to make sure the young athletes have opportunities that are plentiful enough and long enough to foster the development of talent. Sport talent takes a long time to develop but time is only one of the ingredients needed.
“Another is opportunity. Opportunity to learn, practice, play, and compete. We have to figure out a way to offer year round opportunities for swimmers to learn, play, and compete. Without this the athletic capacity of these youngsters will never get a chance to develop,” said Takaedza.
While local competitions varying from schools competitions, provincial to national galas present swimmers with something to look forward to, Takaedza emphasised the need to complement the efforts with more international competitions.
“For local swimmers back home, the local competitions are not great especially for older age- groups as they don’t create enough pressure for the guys to perform under pressure.
“Our racing facilities don’t help either as they are outdated for example starting blocks or depth of the pools isn’t right. For the guys outside it depends with the programme you are in. However, it’s much better since these guys get regular tough competition.
“For me, we need to organise more international meets locally that give our swimmers an opportunity to compete with the best. For our top swimmers we need to organise regular international tours that expose our swimmers to higher levels of competition.”
The seasoned coach underscored the need to create enabling conditions and environment for athletes to succeed as well as patience for the development process to produce the intended results.
Former Zimbabwe Aquatic Union president, Mary Kloppers, said there have been some positives at age- group level but noted that there is need to consider the varying circumstances of different swimmers.
“At age- group level we have had swimmers even better than Kirsty... that’s up to 17- year- old. ( However) Kirsty’s level after her teens has not been achieved by anyone. Why? I have to say because Kirsty is unique.
“Her goals and how she mentally set about achieving them is a phenomenal story which is very difficult to emulate. Not all swimmers have the physical and mental ability to achieve those levels.
“However, should we not be applauding those who reach the podium on regional and even continental Level? Or those who gain university scholarships through their swimming contributions?
“More competitions would be ideal. But finances are the restricting factor. Academics also need to be attended to by swimmers so there needs to be a balance. Unlimited funding would be ( the) answer but will never happen,” Kloppers said.
The former ZAU president highlighted a number of aspects that are key for the success of athletes that include continued coach development, continuously improving facilities and exposure to as much competitions as possible.
“Most importantly swimmers need to have the desire to get to that level for themselves . . . not for their parents or coaches,” said Kloppers.