International talent shines at Africa Cup in Swakopmund

Triathlon
Male and female athletes from 28 countries competed across the senior and junior elite categories at the 2026 Africa Cup event.
Leena Ndakevondjo
  • 4 Hours Ago

Swakopmund successfully hosted the high-profile Africa Triathlon Premium Cup and Junior Cup for the fifth time on Saturday, drawing international competitors to the Mole and showcasing elite endurance talent alongside youth and age-group athletes.

Simultaneously, the 2026 Namibian national para, youth, and age group Sprint triathlon championships featured a full programme, including sprint triathlon, aqua-bike, team and social events.

Elite athletes from Germany, South Africa, Canada, Slovakia, Greece, the USA and many other countries competed for the Africa Cup’s world-ranking points.

In the Africa Cup elite women’s race, Slovakia’s Zuzana Michaličková delivered an outstanding performance to claim first place in one hour 04 minutes 17 seconds. She was closely followed by the USA's pair of Britney Brown (1:04:28) and Eleanor Beveridge (third in 1:04:35).

Speaking after her victory, Michaličková (age 23) described the win as a significant milestone, noting that it was her first competition of the season and her debut year in the elite category. She indicated that her primary goal had been to secure a podium finish and expressed satisfaction at achieving the win despite the pressure of competing as a top seed.

Namibia’s only elite women’s entry, the junior Maja Brinkmann, was a late withdrawal on the morning of the race. After waking up with a sore throat and head ache, Brinkmann and her coach decided to put recovery first since they have another competition booked in Mossel Bay, South Africa, next weekend.


German triumph

The elite men’s race proved equally competitive, with Germany dominating the podium. Benedikt Bettin secured victory in 56 minutes 43 seconds, narrowly ahead of compatriot Lasse Lührs (00:56:49), while last year’s winner at Swakopmund, Panagiotis Bitados from Greece, finishing third in 00:56:52.

Swakopmund-born elite competitor Maximilian Betts, 22, made his comeback after a two-and-a-half year absence from the sport.

Having resumed training only last December and getting serious in January when his switch from German to Namibian representation was officially confirmed, Betts indicated that he was satisfied with his performance under the circumstances, finishing the race in 25th position. He remains optimistic about improving in future competitions with more consistent preparation and is motivated to represent his country at elite level.


Junior Africa Cup

In the junior women’s category, Taylor Foster emerged victorious in a one-two-three for South Africa in 1:10:08, ahead of Karli Lotter (1:13:04) and Jeane Smith (1:15:51).

The junior men’s race saw Antony Clayton take first place in 01:00:24, edging out Namibia’s defending title holder Nathan Chase (1:00:39), with Ryan Viviers (RSA) finishing third in 1:01:52.


Namibian titles

In the national men’s Sprint championship, Tyrone Kotze claimed first place with a time of 1:14:14. He was followed by Jan Louis Mostert (1:16:12), while Peter Brinkmann rounded off the podium.

Benita Windisch (age category 40-49) won the national women’s title race in 1:32:53 ahead of Charly Ann Taylor (age 30-39) in 1:37:24 and Tania Veldman (age 40-49) in 1:41:19.

Young athletes also made their mark in the open super-sprint category (ages 14–15). Micah Chase secured victory in 35:53, followed by Hendrie Daniel Mutschler (40:48), while Kyle Middleton placed third.

Inclusivity in the sport was also highlighted, as para-athletes competed over a 750 m swim, 20 km cycle, and 5 km run distance, demonstrating resilience, ambition and competitive spirit. The amputee Jerome Rooi was the first paralympian over the line (1:52:51), ahead of Mateus Angula (2:02:43).


Doping education

Beyond competition, the event also prioritised athlete welfare and integrity through anti-doping awareness initiatives.

Namibia’s anti-doping representative, Victoria Katukula, confirmed that testing for banned substances was conducted in line with international requirements for continental-level competitions.

Katukula also explained that an outreach booth was established to educate athletes, support personnel, and the public on the dangers of doping, the prohibited substances list, and the importance of knowledge surrounding Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

Namibia National Olympic Committee chief executive Anri Parker commended the event’s organisation and scale, highlighting that the participation of athletes from 28 countries marked a significant achievement for Namibia’s sporting landscape. Parker noted that the level of talent on display reflects the growth of triathlon both locally and internationally.