Manicaland’s fast rising swimming star

24 Mar, 2017 - 00:03 0 Views
Manicaland’s fast rising swimming star Tabeel Phiri does what she knows best

The ManicaPost

Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
SHE is inspired by the successes of ageing Zimbabwean swimmer, Kirsty Coventry who rose to stardom and competed with the world’s best.

The larger than life exploits of the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps is also a source of inspiration to her.

She has been the best swimmer at several tournaments and more importantly she is also one of the best at Hillcrest Preparatory School where she is doing Grade Four.

The budding nine-year-old star believes she will be able to emulate her idol in the professional arena.

He name is Tabeel Phiri.

The young athlete said she started swimming at Fairbridge Learning Centre where she enrolled at the age of three.

She said her teacher, Linda Botha, introduced her to swimming.

“I am greatly inspired by Zimbabwe’s finest swimmer, Kirsty Coventry. I really want to be like her. I also love Michael Phelps from England. I started swimming when I was three-years-old at Fairbridge Learning Centre.

“I have never looked back since then. I am working very hard to achieve my goals. My sister, Elieonai also played a pivotal role in moulding me. She is into swimming as well.

“My teacher at Fairbridge Learning Centre, Botha, noticed my swimming capabilities. She encouraged me. I was very young. I was only three by that time and I did not take swimming seriously. I continued developing an interest and up to now I have never looked back,” she said.

Tabeel believes she will become the next Zimbabwe’s heroine in swimming and dreams of turning into the country’s best swimmer ever.

“I have won several certificates and medals. Some of the events I cannot really recall. I still remember coming out first in Chiredzi at Mary MacDougal School.

“I came first in five races. These include the roll up relay, back stroke, free style, and breast stroke among others. I had my best moments in swimming competitions, but worst competition was in 2016 at the Manicaland Championships Gala. I was disqualified because of diving too early. I was very angry and disappointed. I still believe the best is yet to come out of me,” she chuckled.

Tabeel is also a member of Manicaland Boarder Dolphins Club.

She joined the club two years ago. She won one medal and certificates in 2015 and in 2016 she won many certificates and five medals.

She is among the best athletes selected to represent the province at the Junior National Swimming Gala slated for March 18-19 in Bulawayo.

A team of 18 participants will represent the province at this event.

She paid tribute to her family for the support they are rendering to her.

“My family has been so supportive all the way. They normally travel with me every time I go out to swim. They make sure I have all I need for training. My two sisters are always there for me. My younger sister, Jemmie is also following in my footsteps and I am very happy about it,” she said.

The sky is the limit for the determined swimmer.

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