Some members of Team Zimbabwe pose of a picture during the official opening ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Some members of Team Zimbabwe pose of a picture during the official opening ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Picture: Zimbabwe Olympic Committee / X
As athletes compete for gold in Paris, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has denied reports that it sent 17 athletes and 67 officials to the 2024 Summer Olympics Games.
The world media is once again having a laugh at the expense of Zimbabwe after it sent 67 officials to the Paris Olympics and only 7 athletes.
— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) July 24, 2024
The officials include the country’s Vice President, General Constantino Chiwenga, his wife, and the country’s sports minister, Kirsty… pic.twitter.com/5e9mTsk0v0
A Zimbabwe official said the Team Zimbabwe delegation that headed to Paris was made up of just 17 people.
The denial comes a week after the Southern African nation was subjected to high levels of scrutiny and mockery on social media after reports that they had sent more dignitaries than competing athletes to Paris.
ZOC President Thabani Gonye said many officials were invited to the games directly and did not form part of the official Zimbabwe delegation, that had been sent to the Olympic Games.
“We are aware though 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 we can’t account and comment on,” Gonye told Chronicles Zimbabwe.
Gonye added that while they were not part of Team Zimbabwe they were more than welcome to support their nation in Paris.
Scenes from the other day... Team Zimbabwe shining bright at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony! #TeamZimbabwe #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/x1I1fCMobk
— Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (@TeamZimOlympic) July 28, 2024
Full list of Zimbabwe delegation to the Olympic Games
Athletes: Isaac Mpofu, Rutendo Nyahora (marathon), Stephen Cox (rowing), Tapiwa Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba (200m sprint), Denilson Cyprianos (swimming 200m backstroke), Paige van Der Westhuizen - swimming (100m freestyle).
Technical officials
Chef de mission – Ringisai Mapondera
Admin and welfare - Sipiwe Nyamande
Physiotherapist - Abigail Mnikwa
Track & Field coach – Henry Tabarie
Marathon coach – Benson Chauke
Swimming coach – Masi Takaedza
Rowing coach - Franz Imfield
Rowing manager - Andrew Lorimer
ZOC Officials
President – Thabani Gonye
CEO – Marlene Gadzirayi
IOL Sport
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