After successfully hosting the Africa Triathlon Championships in 2023, Hurghada, Egypt, will once again welcome some of the continent’s biggest stars for the 2024 edition of the event. In addition to continental prestige, Olympic hopes will be up in the air, with avenues open in both the New Flag and Universality routes for aa handful of athletes.
A challenging yet fast standard distance course will be on offer in the Red Sea resort. While the men’s race looks decidedly open, the women’s event looks to have a clear favourite.
All to play for in the men’s race
With none of the 2023 podium returning, we are guaranteed to see some new faces step atop the men’s podium in Hurghada.
Jean Gael Laurent L`entete (MRI) will fancy his chances of claiming the gold medal. L`entete is the highest-ranked male, with respect to the world rankings, on the start list. As things stand, he is also in line to earn the African New Flag slot for the Paris Olympics. Hurghada will therefore present the opportunity to assert both his continental and Olympic credentials as one of Africa’s leading talents.
Right behind L`entete will be Siefeldeen Ismail (EGY) and Seifeddine Selmi (TUN). Both could vault into New Flag contention with a win while Ismail will have the added incentive of performing well before a home audience.
Moreover, keep an eye out for Zakaria Chtoui (TUN). The reigning African junior champion will be making the step up into the senior and U23 event this time round and could upset some of his more established rivals.
Eloi Adjavon (TOG) is another rapidly developing talent and should feature in the hunt for gold. Any medal by Adjavon would be a first for Togo at the Africa Championships. Like Ismail or Selmi, he could be an outsider to overhaul L`entete in the New Flag race. Equally, Adjavon could earn a Universality place at the Paris Olympics. A strong performance in Hurghada, then, should do his Olympic ambitions no harm at all.
Can anyone stop Van Der Merwe?
Vicky Van Der Merwe (RSA) has been unstoppable on African soil this year, having claimed three Africa Cup wins and the African Games title. Thus far, none of her regional rivals have had an answer to her, particularly on the third discipline.
Van Der Merwe has all but locked up Olympic qualification via the New Flag track, though that route still hangs on compatriot Shanae Williams, who will continue her bid to reach Paris via the individual rankings at this weekend’s Wollongong World Cup.
With Van Der Merwe looking to defend her continental title from 2023 and considering her extensive winning streak, it would be a shock to see her lose now. Nevertheless, an upset is by no means impossible. Among the candidates to dethrone her will be Kahina Mebarki (ALG), who won the bronze medal at the African Games, and Andie Kuipers (ZIM), who took 4th place at the same event.
Both will look to keep Van Der Merwe honest throughout the race as one misstep could open the door for a shock defeat. Similarly, Rahma Ahmed (EGY) will be one of the athletes to fly the flag for the home team and could be a dark horse.
For the full start lists, click here.
