By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Zimbabwe’s contingent for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games has been strengthened by the inclusion of promising sprinter Ropafadzo Muzondo, after the country was allocated an additional quota place.
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) announced the development yesterday, stating that the additional slot had been opened in the boys’ 200-metre event after consultations between the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee and World Athletics.
ZOC subsequently consulted the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ), which nominated Muzondo to fill the spot.
The Midlands-based sprinter joins Team Zimbabwe after an impressive season in which he made his mark both locally and internationally.
Muzondo recently represented Zimbabwe at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, United States, where he competed in the 400m and was part of the 4x400m relay team that reached the final.
He has also continued to excel at the regional level, winning gold in the 200m at the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games held in Bulawayo.
ZOC Chef de Mission Charmaine Chamboko welcomed Muzondo’s inclusion, stating that his addition would strengthen Zimbabwe’s representation at the Games.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ropafadzo to the team,” said Chamboko.
“His inclusion undoubtedly boosts Zimbabwe’s prospects at the Games. Ropafadzo has displayed exceptional talent and remarkable growth, from dominating local NASH competitions to holding his own on the international stage.”
Muzondo’s selection brings Zimbabwe’s total representation at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games to 12 athletes.
The Games are scheduled to begin on October 31 in Dakar, Senegal, with Zimbabwe set to be represented in a number of sporting disciplines.
Muzondo’s late inclusion provides another opportunity for Zimbabwean athletics to showcase its emerging talent on the international stage, following his impressive performances at junior and regional competitions.
