“Dear world, stop the false information. This is the true list of OFFICIAL Team Zimbabwe at the Olympics,” stated veteran sports journalist Yvonne Mangunda.

Social media buzzed with rumors that Zimbabwe had sent at least 67 officials, including seven athletes, to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. However, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) responded to this exaggerated information.

Yvonne Mangunda shared ZOC’s official response on social media, confirming that only 15 officials are heading to France to represent Zimbabwe. The ZOC announced more than a week ago that Team Zimbabwe comprises 7 athletes and 8 officials, led by Mr. Mapondera as Chef de Mission.

The athletes representing Zimbabwe are:

• Isaac Mpofu – marathon
• Rutendo Nyahora – marathon
• Stephen Cox – rowing
• Tapiwa Makarawu – 200m sprint
• Makanakaishe Charamba – 200m sprint
• Denilson Cyprianos – swimming 200m backstroke
• Paige van Der Westhuizen – swimming 100m freestyle

The officials are:

• Chef de Mission – Ringisai Mapondera
• Admin and Welfare – Sipiwe Nyamande
• Physiotherapist – Abigail Mnikwa
• Track & Field Coach – Henry Tabari
• Marathon Coach – Benson Chauke
• Swimming Coach – Masi Takaedza
• Rowing Manager – Andrew Lorimer

They will be accompanied by the ZOC President Thabani Gonye and CEO Marlene Gadzirayi.

In a press statement, ZOC President Thabani Gonye addressed the situation, acknowledging that other Zimbabweans might be attending the Olympics in various capacities, but they are not part of the official delegation.

“We are aware that there are many other technical officials, dignitaries invited to the games directly to officiate and as guests, and many other hundreds of Zimbabweans in Paris in various capacities, some to support our team at the Games who as ZOC can’t account and comment on. These are not part of Team Zimbabwe delegation but Zimbabweans all welcome and free to cheer our athletes on. As stated, we announced and alluded to 7 athletes, 8 officials, and the CDM assigned as Chief of Mission,” stated Gonye.

Zimbabwe first participated in the Olympic Games under its current name in 1980. That year, Zimbabwe won its first medal, a gold in field hockey in Moscow. The country didn’t win another medal until 2004, when swimmer Kirsty Coventry won gold, silver, and bronze medals in Athens. Coventry repeated her success in 2008 in Beijing, winning one gold and three silver medals. This was the last time Zimbabwe won an Olympic medal.

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Zimbabwe was represented by five athletes across four sports. Scott Vincent became the first golfer from Zimbabwe to compete at the Olympics.

The year 1980 remains the year Zimbabwe sent the highest number of delegates to an Olympic competition to date.

For more updates, follow Yvonne Tendai Mangunda on her WhatsApp channel here or on her Facebook page: @YvonneTendaiMangunda.