Doorman reflects on African Games experience

Ellina Mhlanga

Lorna Doorman  took some persuading for her to accept the call up to be part of the triathlon team for the recent African Games as she felt that she did not have enough experience.

Doorman only started triathlon back in 2022 after having quit competitive swimming two years earlier because, as she puts it, it was “no longer fun”.

She also knew she had gone as far as she could in the sport.

Now, here it was, an offer to be a member of Team Zimbabwe for the 13th African Games held in Accra, Ghana, last month.

She might have missed out on a podium finish, but Doorman believes triathlon has taken her out of the comfort zone and there is something there for her.

“I have enjoyed the experience so far,” said Doorman. “It has taken me out of my comfort zone, especially with the cycling, and It is very challenging trying to juggle training for three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running).

“However, I do enjoy the variety as you are not always doing the same thing over and over again.”

The African Games, Doorman said, were the first major triathlon event she competed in.

“I have only done some small local triathlon meets and the Troutbeck triathlon event last year,” she said. “I had mostly competed in the age group categories, but was asked if I would be willing to be on the long list for triathlon.”

While Doorman did eventually accept the offer, she doubted she had the experience  required to do well.

She banked on her swimming experience and put all doubts aside.

“It was a good experience for me,” she said. “From many years of competing in swimming, I knew how to handle the nerves and perform the best I could on the day. “It was good to see how I featured against other girls from Africa.”

Doorman was placed sixth (out of the 17) at the Games.

“Growing up, I had always wondered what triathlon would be like as I could swim and I could also run,” she said. “In more recent years, a part of me wanted to challenge myself and complete the Ironman challenge.

“After university (in the United States), I came back to Zimbabwe and started running again as a way to keep fit. I soon met some people, whom I now run with weekly, and a few of them knew my swimming history and convinced me to try out triathlon.

“It took a while, but eventually I bought a bike in June 2022 and did my first triathlon in about September 2022.”

As for her future plans, Doorman said: “I don’t have any set plans for triathlon. I would like to stay involved in the sport and see where I can go with it.

“Triathlon is an expensive sport . . . so I will have to take that into consideration when deciding what to do. I am still more predominantly a runner at this time and I have a marathon planned for September.”

Doorman’s mother, Tracey, said her child’s sporting career has had an impact on her as she got involved in swimming administration.

Tracey was the Zimbabwe swimming chairperson at some point.

“I clearly remember Lorna’s first junior nationals in Bulawayo; we really had no idea what was going on, but then we were encouraged by the club and province to become more involved,” she said.

“A few years later, in order to go on provincial tours to South Africa (it required) that at least one parent was an official. I believe it is good for parents to know the sport, but also to remember that they are a single piece in a big puzzle and to concentrate on their role.

“As an administrator, you have to think of the big picture and the long-term goal of the sport in general, but also to guide athletes and advise them on where they should be looking next.

“You have to be completely impartial and not push your own child’s agenda or get the goal post moved to benefit them. If the goal post needs to be moved for the common good, and it benefits them, then that is different.”