The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee has selected athletes that will represent the country at next month’s Tokyo Olympics under universality slots.
In an update provided yesterday, ZOC said in swimming, Zimbabwe received two universality slots from the International Swimming Federation (Fina) for a male and a female. Donata Katai and Peter Wetzlar were chosen to fill up those slots with the confirmation to come from Fina on 2 July.
“Zimbabwe received two Universality slots from Fina, one male one female. After a meticulous selection process based on results and Fina points from approved races the two athletes that have been submitted by Zimbabwe Aquatic Union (ZAU) for the Tokyo 2020 games are Donata Andra Sofia Katai (Female) and Peter Charles Wetzlar.
The final confirmation will be from Fina on the 2nd of July,’’ said ZOC.
In athletics, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) has been offered a universality slot by World Athletics with Ngoni Makusha, a 100m sprinter chosen in that discipline.
Ngoni Makusha
“National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe has since been offered a Universality Slot by World Athletics. This entry of unqualified athletes is subject to the approval of the Technical Delegates based on the technical standards of the athlete and the number of qualified athletes in the respective events. The athlete that has been submitted for the slot in Ngoni Makusha. Ngoni is currently in camp in South Africa,’’ ZOC said.
Donata Katai
According to ZOC, triple jumper Chengetayi Mapaya had qualified in terms of the official ranking but reports from America is that he has picked up a terrible injury requiring 12-14 weeks for rehabilitation, which effectively rules him out of Tokyo 2020.
The 4x100m relay team has one more chance to seek qualification. They have been offered a slot in Nigeria on 26-27 June with full package sponsorship from the Nigeria Federation.
Scott Vincent
In golf, Scott Vincent is days away from booking his ticket to Tokyo. Vincent is in position 54 in the latest Golf Olympic Ranking and the cut-off date for qualification is tomorrow. Barring any major injury or performance issues, the 29-year old Vincent stands a very good chance of securing his slot at the Tokyo 2020 games as 60 male golfers as well as the same number of females qualify for the Olympics where golf is making its debut appearance.
Peter Purcell-Gilpin
Peter Purcell-Gilpin secured the rowing slot after the internal selection process initiated by Rowing Association of Zimbabwe. The other two athletes will continue training as they are on standby. — @Mdawini_29
