The ManicaPost
Tanaka Makuwaza
Sports Correspondent
THE 15th edition of the premier sports tourism event – the ATU Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup – which was hosted at its usual Troutbeck Inn Resort venue, Nyanga, saw Mutare’s twins Mandlenkosi and Inkosisomusa Mthethwa (16) making debut appearances.
Mandlenkosi settled for 10th position out of 12, with a total time of 1 hour 28 minutes and 18 seconds.
He was satisfied with his performance given that it was his first time.
Mandlenkosi, however, said he is looking forward to improve at future competitions.
“The competition was not bad as it was my first sprint at Troutbeck. My bike was my advantage on the uphill though I was a little disappointed on the mount-line where I had difficulties with it, but I managed to sort things out and tried my best to catch up. My swimming was average and my run was decent,” he said.
He added that his main focus now is training on his transitions as well as improving on his cycling ability so as to perform better in the next competitions.
“My first improvement will be training on my transitions, as well as working on my cycling skills. Mutare has mountains with similar altitude with Nyanga,” Mandlenkosi said.
He further encouraged young girls and boys from Mutare and Manicaland as a whole to participate in these competitions.
“At first it was intimidating for me as I met my colleagues with fancy bikes, but it all takes courage to participate. As for me, I started triathlon at the end of last year and with determination I believe I can do better,” he said.
Mandlankosi has a twin sister, Inkosisomusa who also participated at the competitions under junior women category.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Tippett became the only Zimbabwean athlete to take the medals podium after finishing third in the junior women category and Greer Wynn was the only athlete representing the country in the elite category.
