Jerome Rooi (21) poised for World Champs

Twenty-one-year-old para triathlete Jerome Rooi is poised to represent Namibia at the Para Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong, Australia, from 15 to 19 October.He qualified last weekend by winning a bronze medal at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Alhandra, Portugal.Competing in the men’s PTS2 category, Rooi finished third with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes and 31 seconds, behind Italy’s Gianluca Valoi (1:16:12) and event winner Lionel Morales of Spain (1:12:32).Speaking to this publication, Challenged Athletes Namibia’s (CAN) Jean-Paul Schmidt explained that the PTS2 men’s field at the World Championships has 11 slots, with Rooi securing the final one through his bronze medal.“Jerome is currently the youngest athlete on the circuit, and making the cut after only three races, while others had five or six, is a big achievement. If last year’s results carried over, we would also have been ranked higher,” he said.‘He is getting stronger and faster’Schmidt also expressed confidence in Rooi’s long-term prospects, saying his points have improved in this year’s para triathlon season.“He is getting stronger and faster, so we are liking our chances. He has a very bright future ahead of him. The same with para swimmer Mateus Angula. They are both strong prospects to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. We have got two years to work with them, so let’s see where we end up.”Under the guidance of national para triathlon coach Naomi Schmidt, the two athletes have been outstanding in recent competitions, with Angula winning gold at the nationals and bronze at the African Championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, earlier this year.Rooi, meanwhile, secured gold medals at both the nationals and African Championships.With the para triathlon season now concluded, Jean-Paul said the duo will restart their campaigns in February next year in Abu Dhabi.“They will be training together as Jerome prepares for the World Championships. We will then take a three-week break before going back into High Performance camp in preparation for next year,” he said.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Jerome Rooi (21) poised for World Champs

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Republikein 2026-05-05

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Jerome Rooi (21) poised for World Champs

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