Zambia mints 23 medals in Bulawayo

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 10:47:54 +0000

By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA

ZAMBIAN swimmers have continued to display splashing performance at the African Swimming Confederation (CANA) Zone IV Swimming championship in Zimbabwe amassing 23 medals after day two.

Zambia kicked-off the first day of the competition at Bulawayo’s City Pool on a good note winning 11 medals.

The swimmers were unstoppable on day two of the event on Friday scooping 12 more medals.

Sensational swimmer Tom Donker stole the event winning gold in 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

Fleur Donker contributed two golds to Zambia’s medal count by putting up a splendid swim in 50m backstroke and 200m freestyle.

Zambia’s top female swimmer Tilka Paljk won gold in 200m backstroke while Mia Phiri scooped silver in 50m and also bronze in 50m butterfly.

Mathew Shone, Johanna Buys and Tyler Prince settled for bronze in the under 13 and 15 category.

Coach Ian Stephenson praised the swimmers for the fighting spirit exhibited in each race.

Stephenson was positive the medal count for Zambia will increase on the final day of the competition.

“I am proud of the athletes. Their endurance level is inspiring. I am confident Zambia will end this competition with more than 30 medals. Our aim is to finish on top,” he said.

The CANA Zone IV tournament which started last Thursday closes today.