IT is D-day for Triathlon Zimbabwe athletes as they face their final test before the South African Championships.
Today's race at Mt Pleasant Pool in Harare will determine who secures a spot on the national team for the Benoni trip, and tensions are running high.
And as the sun rises over the Mt Pleasant tranquil landscape, Pam Fulton, head coach of Triathlon Zimbabwe, is already buzzing with excitement.
For Fulton, it has been a journey of dedication and perseverance, guiding her athletes through the ups and downs of training and competition.
"At present, 13 athletes have attained the required 10 points in order to be eligible for selection to SA Champs," Fulton told The Standard Sport.
"After this coming weekend's (today) race the selection committee will meet before announcing the final team."
Fulton reflects on the previous weekend's race characterised by showers.
"This last weekend we had some showers during the race which always makes the bike course a little more tricky with road surfaces being slippery and athletes having to be more cautious," said Fulton.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
"Despite this I am very pleased to note that there were no incidents and the majority of our youth athletes improved their times considerably."
As the National Championships in Troutbeck approach for the Bonaqua Troutbeck Triathlon Africa Cup on March 8, Fulton's focus is on fine-tuning every detail.
"Over half term some athletes are traveling to Troutbeck for some final training to familiarise themselves with the course. We will swim in the dam to familiarise ourselves with open water and the temperature," she added.
"Being able to practice the technical sections of the bike course prior to race day will be beneficial to these athletes. Another important aspect to practice prior to race day are transitions. Transitions are considered the fourth discipline in triathlon and they too need to be practiced to have the best race possible."
One week after the National Championships, the selected athletes will head to Benoni for the South African Championships. It's a busy and exciting period for Triathlon Zimbabwe, and Pam is eager to see her athletes in action.
Fulton offers words of encouragement to those still vying for selection.
"We have a very busy and exciting few weeks ahead of us and I wish the athletes still trying to qualify all the best for this weekend’s race.
Race hard, believe in yourself, and never give up," she urges.
The Boys Under-17 age group has been a scintillating highlight in the run-up to the qualifiers. Rohnan Nicholson, Callum Smith, and Stanley Chasakara have consistently given their all, week in and week out.
