THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) have announced lucrative incentives for the Paris Olympics-bound athletes with gold medallists set to pocket US$10 000.
The Paris 2024 Olympics runs from July 26 to August 11.
Team Zimbabwe which was unveiled yesterday comprises seven athletes that will represent the country in three sport codes — athletics, swimming and rowing.
ZOC president, Thabani Gonye, said “our athletes” deserve to be rewarded for their dedication and performance and they have put together a substantial incentive package to motivate the team.
“Gold medalists will receive US$10 000, silver medalists US$7 500, bronze medalists US$5 000, and those who finish in the top 10 will get US$2 500. We want to ensure our Zimbabwean athletes have every opportunity to succeed in Paris,” Gonye said.
The Paris 2024 chef de mission for Team Zimbabwe, Ringisai Mapondera, unveiled the athletes led by marathon runners Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora as well as sprinters Tapiwa Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba (both 200m specialists). Leading swimmer Dennilson Cyprianos, who will be competing in the 200m backstroke, Paige Van der Westhuizen doing the 100m freestyle and single men's scull rower, Stephen Cox completes the seven-member list.
"I am very happy with the team we have assembled to represent Zimbabwe at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These athletes have worked hard and earned their spots on the team," Mapondera said.
"I will leave the decision of who will be the flag bearer for Zimbabwe up to the team members themselves. I have full confidence they will make the right choice to lead their delegation into the opening ceremony."
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The seven will be accompanied by officials, that include, Benson Chauke the marathon coach, track and field manager Henry Tabarie and Franz Imfeld, rowing coach and manager, as well as swimming coach and manager, Masi Adi Takaedza.
ZOC, who have since taken over the athletes' welfare since their confirmed qualification for the Olympics, are hopeful of a fine show by the Zimbabwe athletes.
ZOC chief executive office, Marlene Gadzirayi, said they are backing athletes to produce good results.
"This team has the potential to deliver exceptional results for Zimbabwe. They have demonstrated their commitment and dedication throughout the qualification process,” Gadzirayi said.
"We are excited to see them compete against the world's best athletes in Paris. We will provide them with the necessary support to ensure they perform at their optimal level."
As part of their work to ensure that the athletes perform to the best of their ability, sprinters Makarawu and Charamba have had their training base set up in Europe. Mpofu will fine-tune his preparation in Harare while Nyahora will be training in South Africa. Rower Cox Wil be shuffling between the UK and Belgium, swimmer Cyprianos is training in the US with Paige training in Scotland.
The other team management members include physiotherapist Abigail Munyikwa and Sipiwe Kahiya the administration and welfare officer.
