Zimbabwe unveils team for the 2024 Paris Olympics

TAWANDA CHARI

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee announced yesterday the roster of athletes and support staff who will represent the nation at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. 

The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee has announced a seven-strong team of athletes that will represent the nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. [Image: Reuters]

This marks Zimbabwe's eleventh consecutive participation in the Summer Olympics as an independent nation.

Zimbabwe will field seven competitors across three sports disciplines:

 Athletics:

- Men's 200m Sprint: Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu.

- Men's Marathon: Isaac Mpofu.

- Women's Marathon: Rutendo Nyahora.

Rowing:

- Men's Single Sculls: Stephen Cox, who qualified through the 2023 African Qualification Regatta in Tunis, Tunisia.

Swimming:

- Men's 200m Backstroke: Denilson Cyprianos.

- Women's 100m Freestyle: Paige van der Westhuizen.

The athletes will be accompanied by a dedicated team of support staff to ensure optimal performance and well-being:

- Coach/Manager: Masi Adi Takaedza.

- Chef de Mission: Ringisai Mapondera.

- Admin and Welfare Officer: Sipiwe Kahiya.

- Physiotherapist: Abigail Mnikwa.

Incentives for Performance 

Thabani Gonye, President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, outlined the financial incentives for medalists. The reward structure is as follows:

- Gold Medalists: US$10,000

- Silver Medalists: US$7,500

- Bronze Medalists: US$5,000

- Top 10 Finishers: US$2,500

Gonye emphasized the committee's commitment to securing additional sponsorship and partnerships to enhance these incentives, ensuring that Zimbabwean athletes are incentivised thoroughly for their hardwork.

“We want to ensure our Zimbabwean athletes have every opportunity to succeed in Paris,” Gonye stated.