Rachel O’Donoghue in Latvia for the 2026 Europe Triathlon

Junior Cup

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S Rachel O’Donoghue will be hoping to leave a mark when she competes at the 2026 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup Jurmala on Saturday in Latvia.

The rising triathlete will be making her debut in the Europe Triathlon Cup event.

Participants will compete over the sprint distance in the junior men and junior women categories.

O’Donoghue will be among the 39 junior women that have entered for Saturday’s race.

The junior men’s category has also attracted a huge field of 59 entries including South Africa’s Antony Clayton and Namibia’s Nathan Max Centlivres Chase.

Speaking from Latvia, Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O’Donoghue, who is also her father, predicted a tough competition.

“We have got all our course familiarisation today. It’s an absolutely beautiful place.

“It’s going to be a very strong field of European youth women athletes,” said O’Donoghue.

“And Rachel is very excited. She’s got two other athletes here, one from Namibia, one from South Africa, whom she knows quite well.

“And her coach is here from South Africa. So, yeah, the recipe is good. Now the racing has to be good.”