While the Zimbabwe delegation was returning from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where sprinter Brian Dzingai , long jumper Ngoni Makusha and marathon runner Mike Fokorani performed remarkably well despite failure to win any medals, local experts are scouting for the next generation of athletics stars.

The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee held a three-day training programme at Prince Edward School from Wednesday to Friday, sponsored by the Olympic Solidarity Programme -- the development arm of the International Olympic Committee. The team of experts, led by Zimbabwe sprinting legend Artwell Mandaza, took the 30 young athletes from across the country through a rigorous training programme. The athletes were selected over several competitions culminating in the National Youth Games last week.

Olympic Sports coordinator Ezra Zigarwe said a database for the athletes would be created for future use by their senior coaches, should they turn professional.

He said: "The kids went for various tests. The camp was to confirm the talent already identified, and to see how the talent can be taken forward."

Among other high-performance exercises, the athletes went through tests in co-ordination, flexibility and general endurance.

Athletes in camp included Eaglesvale High's Tamla Peterson, 200m and 400m rising star Sukoluhke Mlalazi from Matabeleland South, Kyle College's 100m boys' national champion Tafadzwa Chitokwindo who is a Craven Week rugby player.