At just 14 years old, Queen Elizabeth student Tanaka Mutetwa had already achieved what many can only dream of.
Born on December 27, 2009, this talented teenager has made waves by completing the prestigious Watermanship Skills Course at the Army School of Physical Training and Sports held between September 16 and December 20.
She is now among Zimbabwe’s youngest holders of an international life-saving certificate.
But Mutetwa’s impressive feat is not just about the certificate; it’s about her passion to make a difference in her community.
She aims to introduce life-saving lessons in schools surrounding her area and eventually every school in Zimbabwe.
The influence of her father, Edmond Mutetwa, a multi-talented sports coach and serial award winner, has played a significant role in shaping the young girl's sporting prowess.
Mutetwa’s guidance has helped his daughter develop a strong foundation in various sporting disciplines, including swimming, basketball and rugby.
“My father is my role model,” Mutetwa told Sports Hub.
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“But I want to thank my coach, Gerald Gatsi, for teaching me life-saving skills for the past three months. It was a challenging, but rewarding experience.”
Mutetwa’s sporting journey began at a tender age.
She started swimming at David Livingstone Primary School in 2023 and quickly became the best swimmer in her age group.
Her athletic talent was evident from infancy, and she won her first medals at Nettleton Primary School in 2012.
As a member of the Harare Sports Club rugby team since Grade 6, Mutetwa has demonstrated her versatility and dedication to sports.
She has also played for the Mash Eagles under-14 team and was part of the former Zimbabwe basketball champions, Cavaliers.
Mutetwa’s ambition extends beyond her own achievements.
She hopes to meet life-savers from around the world and share her knowledge with others.
“One day, I’m going to teach the younger generation about life saving,” she said.
The young life saver’s passion for sports is evident in her words: “I love sports, and I’ve been fortunate to meet greats like Julie Chibhabha, the late George Shaya, and Supa Mandenge.”
Mutetwa’s favourite schools are Eaglesvale and Dominican Convent, and she hopes to one day wear the national team’s green blazer for basketball, rugby and swimming.
As she looks to the future; Mutetwa aims to become a national team swimming coach, producing swimmers like Donata Katai and Kirsty Coventry.
She also hopes to introduce life-saving clubs in all high schools to minimise drowning incidents in communities.
In a country where sport is male-dominated, Mutetwa is determined to pave the way for female coaches and athletes.
She draws inspiration from trailblazers like Chibhabha, Farirai Kanyenze and Magret Magwaro.
As Mutetwa embarks on her journey to make a difference in her community, her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and passion.
This 13-year-old trailblazer is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of sports and beyond.
