ZIMBABWE’S top female triathlete, Andie Kuipers, is targeting crucial Olympic ranking points when she competes at the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multisport Festival in Troutbeck, Nyanga, this weekend.
The international event forms part of the global triathlon calendar and offers athletes an opportunity to collect points towards Olympic qualification while competing against elite athletes from across the continent. Speaking to NewsDay Sport, Kuipers said she had just arrived in Nyanga and was settling in well ahead of the race.
“I just arrived, and it’s been good so far,” she said.
However, the Australian-based athlete is bracing for a small field, with only three athletes confirmed for the elite women’s race due to flight cancellations linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
"Unfortunately, only three of us are racing. It's going to be a spread-out race, I expect."
Despite the unusual circumstances, Kuipers said she was grateful for the chance to compete on home soil.
“I’m not disappointed — I’m really grateful that I’m able to race at home in the first place and even just get here given the current situation in the world,” she said.
With Olympic qualification firmly in her sights, Kuipers said her mission for the weekend is clear.
- Kuipers headlines Africa Triathlon Championships team
- TZ boss praises Kuipers
- Strong line-up for Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup
- Kuipers makes positive strides at Africa Triathlon Cup
Keep Reading
“I’m only here to do one thing, and that’s get my Olympic ranking points,” she said.
“Focusing on my competitors is pointless because that’s out of my control. All I can do is give my best and focus on Olympic qualification. Anything else is a distraction.”
Kuipers also urged Zimbabwean fans to turn out in their numbers to support the event.
