ZIMBABWE’S top triathlete, Andie Kuipers, clinched gold in the Elite Women’s category at Saturday’s 2023 World Triathlon Development Region Cup held in Diani, Kenya.
The Triathlon Zimbabwe, USA-based athlete clocked 01:02:51 for her gold medal.
Despite the race kicking off late due to the rough sea. However, the moment she dived into the waters for the 750m swim, she never looked back and led the race from start to finish.
Kuipers was out of the waters in 00:10:06, headed for her 21-seconds bike transition. She opened the gap on the bike where she went around the 19.8km three-lap cycle track in 00:31:04, a minute 21 seconds faster than the second fastest woman on the bike.
She then capped the fine race with a 00:20:55 run in the two-lap 5km run. Although Kuipers was a tide slower on the run than silver medalist Julie Staub of Mauritius, she had done enough with the gap she opened on the bike.
Kenyan Aisha Nasser Baksh claimed bronze medal in 01:09:49 behind Staub, who crossed the line in 01:04:27.
So gruelling was the race that Kuipers made look easy as hosts Vivian Wairimu Hillier who was on the Elite Women starting list, failed to finish the race.
Triathlon Zimbabwe Head Coach Pam Fulton said weeks of intense practice paid off for Kuipers.
“Andie really excelled today after having been through a really good training period these last few weeks,” Fulton told EnterSportNews from Diani.
“She went into this race believing in herself, and her confidence has soared after her result today. It was a very proud moment for Andie, TZ and Zimbabwe, being on the podium in gold position.”
Meanwhile, young starlet Mandlenkosi Mhtethwa held his own in the Elite Men, finishing a commendable ninth place. He was, however, a silver medalist in the Junior Men category.
Mhtethwa was home in 01:11:31 in the race won by Algerian Oussama Hellal Berrouane in 00:56:16.
Silver and bronze medals went to Remy Gerard of Mauritius and hosts John Paul Makona.
“Mandla, being only 17 years of age competing in his first elite race, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learnt so much and is excited and motivated for the upcoming season,” Fulton said of Mthethwa.
“Mandla came 9th in the elite category whilst podiuming in silver in the junior category. Tomorrow, Andie and Mandla will compete in the mixed team relay event.”
