The skip in Goto’s step
FROM a young boy who used to be extremely shy about his height, Tinevimbo Goto appears to be more comfortable in his own skin nowadays.
And, the sport of volleyball looks to have played its part, as the Churchill Boys’ High pupil now walks around with a skip in his step.
Recently, Goto, who stands at 2,4 metres, made quite the stylish international debut at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 games in Lesotho.
There, he emerged as the tournament’s Best Blocker.
Goto still maintains that the feat came as a surprise and that he never fancied himself an extraordinary player.
“This was my first international match, and the call itself came as a surprise.
“I never imagined actually winning a medal,” said the lanky utility player.
“l used to be shy because of my height, and would deliberately avoid being in some spaces.
“My parents saw the bigger picture, and pushed me to try out the sport.”
The youthful lower-six Arts pupil’s first love was triple jump and basketball and still reminisces about his greatest feat in the former.
He hit his personal best jump of 13,87 metres last year.
Despite being signed under AM Volleyball Academy, Goto fancies himself as a track and field person.
Unlike most players who are signed into academies based on their potential, Goto found home at AM Academy purely based on his height.
It is at the academy where he was taught the basics.
“I was approached purely based on my height, as I had never been on a volleyball court before.
“I did not even know how the game was played,” he said.
Volleyball must have been God’s plan, a calling even. “The call up was a wakeup call for me. I had to accept my God chosen path.
“I decided to work harder, putting in extra hours, and I had to rediscover myself,” he said.
The volleyball star is now ready to embrace the sport.
“Hearing my name being called out, and the long distance to the podium, could very well be the greatest moments of my life,” said Goto.
“I had worked for it, and, as I walked to the podium, I finally accepted the calling”.
His sights are already beyond the AM Academy. “For now, I do not intend to specialise in any position as I am still at the development stage.
“I want to try them all. “Furthermore, clubs prefer utility players and so this is what I need to focus on right now.
“I have found a new passion, and do not want to limit myself,” he said.
Away from sport, Goto is working hard towards a career in law.
This, all the while hoping to get a scholarship to the United States where he can further both.