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Brandon Moyo, [email protected] 

DENILSON Cyprianos made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first black male swimmer to represent Zimbabwe on the world’s biggest sporting stage. While he ultimately fell short of reaching the qualification semi-finals, his participation alone was a monumental achievement. His expedition to the Olympics defied expectations and stereotypes, inspiring a nation.

In the previous Games held in Tokyo, Japan in 2020, Donata Katai had become the first black swimmer to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games. Although Cyprianos did not advance beyond the first heat in his debut appearance on the biggest stage, the 21-year-old swimming sensation left an indelible mark in France. Facing the agony of an early exit, the Bulawayo-born talent left with his head held high, knowing he achieved something that will be cherished forever.

Not only did he become the first black male swimmer to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics, he also set a national and personal record in the 200m backstroke event at the iconic Paris La Defense Arena. Competing in Heat One, Cyprianos finished in sixth place, setting a national and personal record with a time of 2 minutes, 01.91 seconds, surpassing his previous record of 2 minutes, 01.96 seconds set in Ghana at the African Games.

As a testament to his unwavering skill and talent, he defied the odds and stereotypes at the African Games in March, winning gold and becoming one of Zimbabwe’s best performers at the continental showdown. He also became the first black male to represent Zimbabwe in swimming at the African Games. For many, the young Cyprianos’ achievements at such a young age remain a dream.

As a dreamer, Cyprianos has been a marvel in the pool since taking up swimming at a young age. Today, he stands as an inspiration to other young black children to take up swimming. He touched down to a hero’s welcome last Sunday at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. Upon arrival, he encouraged young swimmers from the Stingrays Swimming Academy, who had come to welcome their hero home, to never give up on their dreams.

“To all the kids, the younger kids, it’s possible, and it starts with believing that it’s possible. Whether it’s swimming, school, work, or any aspect of your life, I believe Zimbabwe has the potential to be the best. I know I had support from all over the world. That feeling was special; it really makes you believe that anything can happen and anything is possible when you put your mind to it and work towards something. You can do it. A lot of the times, recently everyone has been to the Olympics, but as a dreamer, as I would like to label myself, my goal is to win the Olympics. If you are an athlete and you don’t have that goal, you are not dreaming big enough,” he said.

Many young black swimmers throw in the towel, but Cyprianos held on, and the results of his unwavering dedication are starting to show. He has proven that it is possible for a black swimmer to go all the way and reach the top. Cyprianos has opened the door to other young aspiring swimmers not only in Bulawayo but across Zimbabwe.

Despite not going all the way, the youngster can take pride in knowing that he made not only his family — who have been his greatest support structure — proud but also the entire Zimbabwean community who have always and will always continue supporting and backing him to reach even greater heights. In the near future, he is one of Zimbabwe’s hopefuls for a podium finish at the Olympics. He is currently based in the United States of America, where he has been fine-tuning his talent over the past couple of years.—@brandon_malvin