Zimbabwean Youth Olympic champion Mzondo receives hero's welcome at home

HARARE, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Ropafadzo Mzondo received a hero's welcome upon his return to Harare on Thursday, two days after winning the country's first-ever Youth Olympic Games gold medal in athletics at Dakar 2026.

The 17-year-old made history by claiming the men's 200m title on Tuesday, becoming Zimbabwe's first Youth Olympic Games medalist.

"I'm very excited to have this reception," Mzondo said.

"It's exciting to have all these people come here just to welcome me back home. It makes me very proud to be able to represent my country."

The young sprinter expressed gratitude to those who had supported him throughout his campaign in Senegal.

"I would like to thank my teammates and our big bosses for being there for us and cheering us on," he said.