Story by Raynald Ngwarati
MANZINI, Eswatini – Team Zimbabwe concluded a remarkable campaign at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships, clinching an overall bronze medal finish and demonstrating the country’s growing strength in continental swimming.
The four-day competition saw young Zimbabwean swimmers compete against peers from across Southern Africa, ultimately bringing home a total of 29 medals: four gold, ten silver, and 15 bronze.
Zimbabwe, which entrusted a young squad to grace the regional stage, kicked off the campaign with bronze medals in the 800 metres freestyle from Daniella Viki in the 14 and under category and Alexis Johnsen in the 15 and over category.
Later on, Jude Moss set the tone with a gold medal in the 100 metres backstroke, breaking both the meet record for 11 to 12-year-olds and the national record for 13 and under.
On Day 2, Sibusiso Fayayo and Moss then secured silver medals in the 50 metre breaststroke, while Eliecia Chivandire, Alexis Johnsen, and the 14 and under boys’ medley relay team added bronze medals.
Moss again dominated Day 3 alongside Alexis Johnsen, as the former claimed two gold medals with meet and national records tumbling in the process, while Johnsen claimed 50 metre freestyle gold and bronze in the backstroke.
Moss won the 50 metre backstroke and 50 metre freestyle, smashing records in both, and Johnsen’s win in the 50 metre freestyle was equally sensational, setting new meet and Zimbabwean records.
The Mixed 4×100 Medley Relay team secured silver, while five more bronzes were added, including a 400 metre freestyle bronze for Johnsen and medals from Chivandire, Fayayo, and Watson.
Zimbabwe sealed its bronze overall with a strong final day, collecting five silver medals, including in the 100 metre freestyle and 200 metre events from Moss, Johnsen, and Chivandire. The Girls 15 and over relay team also took silver.
The boys’ 14 and under 4×50 metre freestyle relay team capped the tournament with a bronze, completing a memorable outing for Team Zimbabwe.
Team Zimbabwe’s performance signals the country’s growing prowess in African swimming, with the young stars poised for even greater success on the international stage.
