~ Two days after he made Zimbabwean history at the Youth Olympic Games, the 16-year-old received a heartwarming welcome on his return to Harare yesterday.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 13.11.2026) :: After winning Zimbabwe’s first-ever Youth Olympic Games medal with gold in Dakar 2026’s athletics men’s 200 metres final on Tuesday (10 November), Ropafadzo Mzondo received a hero's welcome on his return to the country’s international airport on Thursday (12 November).
“I'm very excited to have this reception,” he told Sports Metro.
“It's exciting to have all these people come here just to welcome him back home. It makes me very proud to be able to represent my country.”
Accompanied by his father, Liberty, and coaching staff, the 16-year-old was greeted by friends, family, and fans as his plane landed back in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city.
“I would like to thank my teammates and our big bosses for being there for us and cheering us on,” he continued.
“Without them, I don't think I would have been able to bring out the medal. And I would also like to thank my coach, my parents, my school, and everyone else who's been supporting me.”
In the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent, his gold has been part of the highest-ever total of YOG medals from African athletes.
Cr-Olympics
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