Zimbabwe Announces Coventry-less World Championships Roster

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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A Coventry-less Zimbabwe roster evokes the same feelings for Zimbabweans as a Phelps-less roster does for Americans.

After announcing her retirement after the Rio Olympic Games, Coventry will not be competing at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. But nonetheless, the nation is sending four other team members to compete in the Championships between July 14 and 30.

According to The Chronicle, Zimbabwe will send Peter Wetzlar, James Lawson, Robyn Lee and Devyn Leask to Budapest after using the FINA points system for qualification criteria.

Zimbabwe was allocated a total of four athletes, so ZAU President Mary Kloppers and coach Sheelah Crause used the point system and equality rules to make their selections.

“This is the first time we have had a male qualify for the World Champs,” Kloppers said. “We are happy about this development as it clearly shows Zimbabwe swimming still has something to offer after Kirsty [Coventry]. It is now imperative that the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) support these swimmers, as qualifying for World Champs is a very good indication of future Olympic qualification.”

Wetzlar has competed in the Junior All Africa Games, the 2016 Short Course World Championships, African Youth Olympic Games, the 2015 Junior World Championships and the All-African Games where he actually had the chance to compete alongside Coventry.

Wetzlar currently trains at the University of Kentucky in the United States. He placed 12th at the 2017 SEC Championships in the 100 free (43.33) and 22nd in the 50 free (19.91). He will compete in the sprint freestyle events in Budapest.

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