HARARE – The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has added Midlands-based sprinter Ropafadzo Muzondo to Team Zimbabwe for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games following the allocation of an extra quota slot.
In a press release issued on 1 October 2026, ZOC said the additional slot was granted by the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee in consultation with World Athletics after a slot opened in the boys’ 200m event.
Following consultation with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ), the athletics body nominated Muzondo, who has been on a remarkable growth trajectory.
The exceptional young talent recently represented Zimbabwe at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA, where he competed in the 400m and helped the 4x400m relay team reach a historic final. More recently, he secured a gold medal in the 200m at the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Bulawayo, after dominating local NASH competitions.
Chef de Mission Charmaine Chamboko said the addition boosts Zimbabwe’s competitive edge heading into Dakar.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ropafadzo to the team. His inclusion undoubtedly boosts Zimbabwe’s prospects at the Games. Ropafadzo has displayed exceptional talent and a remarkable growth trajectory, from dominating local NASH competitions to holding his own on the international stage,” said Chamboko.
Muzondo’s inclusion increases Zimbabwe’s representation to 12 competitors for the Games, which commence on 31 October 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
