GUTU– Gutu-born bike cyclist Core Goromondo (21) is making waves after winning gold and bronze medals at the National Mountain Bike Cross Country Short Circuit (XCC) and Cross Country Olympic (XCO) Championships held at Mazowe Botanical Reserve last week.
Goromondo, who represented Brecha cycling club at the championships, won gold in the XCC race before securing bronze in the XCO event in the Under-23 category.
In the XCC race, cyclists competed on a 1.1 km circuit for 20 minutes, with Goromondo completing six laps to finish first.
He also completed four laps of the 5.1 km XCO course within the stipulated one-hour time, finishing third.
Goromondo said he was happy with his performance but had hoped to win gold in both events.
“I felt elated to win these races, though I wasn’t entirely satisfied because I had aimed to secure gold in both events,” he said.
The Gutu cyclist began his cycling journey in 2023 in Chitungwiza, drawing inspiration from his father, who continued riding even after losing a leg.
“I started cycling in 2023 in Chitungwiza, inspired by my father who continued riding even after losing a leg,” he said.
Since taking up the sport, Goromondo has represented Zimbabwe in South Africa, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville and Switzerland, winning 10 medals, including two gold medals.
His latest performance has strengthened his hopes of earning selection into the national team, with the cyclist saying his chances looked promising.
Goromondo expressed pride in representing Gutu and Masvingo Province, saying he was the only Under-23 participant from the province to win both races at the championships.
He urged aspiring mountain bikers to combine talent with discipline and commitment if they wanted to reach the highest levels of the sport.
“Talent will win you a local race. Discipline will get you to the national team. Wake up and train even when you don’t feel like it,” he said.