ZOC pays tribute to swimmers

THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee has paid tribute to swimmers Denilson Cyprianos and Paige van der Westhuizen for their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games saying it is important to note the two got universality slots and were largely on a mission to develop their skills on the international stage.  

Sports Reporter

“A heartfelt thank you to Denilson Cyprianos and Paige van der Westhuizen for proudly representing Zimbabwe in the Olympics! It’s important to note that both athletes received universality slots, and their performances truly show their dedication and hard work.

“Though their Olympic journey may have come to an end, their determination and perseverance are an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Denilson and Paige, for giving it your all and making Zimbabwe proud,” ZOC said on their Facebook Page.

ZOC described Cyprianos’ debut as impressive.

“Denilson Cyprianos makes an impressive Olympic debut in the 200m backstroke, setting a new personal best time of 2:01:91! He finishes 28th overall, a remarkable achievement in his first Games!

“Although he won’t be advancing to the semi-finals, we’re incredibly proud of his performance. Congratulations, @deni_cyprianos , on a fantastic Olympic debut!” said ZOC.

ZOC had similar words of encouragement for van der Westhuizen.

“Paige makes a splash in her Olympic debut, winning her heat in a time of 58:19! She finishes 25th overall, a fantastic achievement in her first Games!

“Although she won’t be advancing to the semi-finals, we’re incredibly proud of her performance. Congratulations, Paige, on an amazing Olympic debut!” said ZOC.

Cyprianos expressed satisfaction with his participation at the on-going Paris 2024 Olympic Games after setting a personal best and national record in the men’s 200m backstroke at the Paris La Defense Arena on Wednesday.

Cyprianos finished sixth in Heat One with a time of 2 minutes 01,91 seconds. His previous personal best was 2 minutes 01,96 seconds, which was also the previous national record, that he set in Ghana at the African Games.

(The new record is subject to ratification by the Zimbabwe Aquatic Union.) However, with the fastest 16 qualifying for the semi-finals, Cyprianos fell short of qualification.

He was ranked 28 overall. But he will take pride in managing to take off some splits from his previous time.

“Just amazing, I mean this has been really cool for me. I have broken maybe six open national records, part of relay teams, and individually.

“That was good. Obviously, I wanted to be faster. I wanted to go under 2 minutes today but I am happy with the PB, it’s my Olympic debut and it was just amazing to be out there in that atmosphere and . . . my whole family, I kind of can’t ask for much more than this,” he said.

A gold medallist in the same event at the African Games held in Ghana, in March, Cyprianos conceded it has been quite a different experience.

“So different, very different. African Games I would have won with this time, but the Olympics I came last (with) that time. But it’s fine, it’s all part of the journey I mean it’s a personal best time,” said Cyprianos.

Van der Westhuizen also had an encouraging performance that saw her winning her heat in the women’s 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena on Tuesday.

She was the first to hit the wall in 58.19 seconds in heat one of the four heats lined up for the day.

Although she fell short of her personal best of 57.34 seconds, the Zimbabwean swimmer will be looking at building on this experience going forward.

She was ranked 25 overall out of 29 swimmers that competed in the event.

“In terms of my race, it wasn’t what I wanted I am little bit disappointed with it. But I think I am going to use this to build forward into the next World Championships and look on what I did wrong, learn also to manage my nerves at such a big stage,” she said.