Staff Writer 
THE event director for Triathlon Zimbabwe, Rick Fulton, has lauded title sponsor Schweppes Zimbabwe and other key partners of the annual Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup for playing an instrumental role in making the event a success.
Apart from the title sponsor, the event also received vital backing from key partners, including EcoCash, African Sun, CFAO Motors, Cimas, Simbisa Brands, and Rooneys.
Speaking during the awards ceremony and dinner held over the weekend at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga after the conclusion of the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup, Fulton said the support from sponsors has helped make Zimbabwe a globally acclaimed triathlon player.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support. They are excellent partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of this event.
“It has been more than 19 years since we hosted other events here as well, and you have always come to the party. That clearly shows the level of support and commitment you have consistently given to this event,” said Fulton.
Fulton also paid tribute to the athletes who battled through extremely difficult conditions, noting that such weather had been experienced only twice in the competition’s history.
“The determination and resilience shown by the athletes were truly remarkable. Apart from the elite men, who were fortunate enough to race during a brief dry spell, the rest of the competitors had to battle extremely challenging conditions.
“It was inspiring to see the recreational athletes dig deep, grit their teeth, and push through some of the most atrocious weather imaginable.
“We have had rain for almost a week, which meant the terrain was completely soaked and muddy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the managing director of Schweppes Zimbabwe, Stanley Muchenje, also celebrated the successful hosting of the 2026 event, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting the sport.
“Our partnership with Zimbabwe Triathlon is built on trust, teamwork, and transparency. We remain committed to supporting this event because it encourages young people to embrace sport and helps position Zimbabwe firmly on the international triathlon map,” said Muchenje.
On her part, the deputy minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Emily Jesaya praised the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup for being an enabler of youth participation in sport.
“As a government, we firmly support initiatives like this because they encourage youth participation in sport and contribute to the development of a healthy and active nation.
“Festivals such as the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup play a vital role in promoting sport among young people and fostering a spirit of unity and nation-building,” said Emily Jesaya.
The 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup also saw Zimbabwean athletes make a strong impression in the junior categories, with local competitors delivering impressive performances.
Young Zimbabwean triathlete Zander Botha claimed gold in the junior race, while compatriot Cullum Smith secured the silver medal in the same event.
In the elite women’s category, 16-year-old Rachel O’Donoghue produced a remarkable performance to finish third, further highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing presence in international triathlon competition.
By Patrick Mubwandarikwa
