Zimbabwe swimmers Donata Katai and Liam O’Hara managed to set new personal best times in the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley events, respectively, at the ongoing 16th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday.
Katai finished her race in 1.01.85, while O’Hara set a new national record of 2.04.90.
The championships, which started yesterday, will end on December 18 with top swimmers battling it out for medals.
Going into these championships, coach Masi Takaedza set his sights on helping the athletes on improving personal best times and has already achieved on that front.
Katai recently participated at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games in Lilongwe, Malawi, which helped her to prepare for the global meet.
Speaking after yesterday’s events, Takaedza said the duo’s performance showed they had the capacity to do even better in their upcoming challenges.
“Liam and Donata swam very well today. Both got their personal best times and we can’t ask for more,” Takaedza said.
“Our stay has been good here, everything is in order and the swimmers are focused on our mission. So, we have an opportunity to train every day and we have access to the pool any time of the day, which is actually working for the good on our side.”
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Nomvula Mjimba is next to take part in the 100m freestyle, while O’ Hara will take part in the 100m breaststroke race which will be his second and final event.
“For Liam, tomorrow’s race is his main race and the expectation is that he will get another personal best time. As for Nomvula, she has been working hard and looking sharp and hopefully she can get another personal best time,” he said.
Zimbabwe is being represented by Davis, O’Hara, Katai and Mjimba at the global showcase.
