The Africa Zone 3 Swimming Championship came to a successful close after four days of intense competition, with athletes from ten countries showcasing their talent, breaking personal bests, and proudly representing their nations.
One of the standout stories on the final day was the historic participation of Aya Ofleh Adams, the first female Somali swimmer to compete in the event.
Aya recorded a time of 3:11.36 in the 200m backstroke, 50.27 in the 50m breaststroke, 1:31.05 in the 100m butterfly, and 39.45 in the 50m backstroke.
Speaking to the media after her events, she expressed hope to continue competing in more international competitions, marking an inspirational moment for Somalia and women’s swimming in the region.
Kenya’s swimming star Don Ndirangu delivered an exceptional performance, winning multiple gold medals.
He clinched gold in the 50m butterfly with a time of 28.14, beating teammate AbdulKadir and Uganda’s Elijah Ayesiga, who finished second and third respectively. Ndirangu also won the 100m freestyle, clocking 1:03.36, further asserting his dominance in the pool.
Team Nigeria also had reason to celebrate. Alfred Olajide, who managed the Nigerian team, shared his satisfaction with their performance.
He praised Africa Aquatics for the invitation and emphasized how the competition provided valuable insights into areas needing improvement. He also lauded his athletes for earning medals and representing Nigeria with pride.
Team Kenya’s assistant coach, Mansour Abadallah of Bandari Swim Club, expressed his joy over the team’s performance, highlighting the unity, effort, and determination shown by the swimmers. Their hard work paid off, with Kenya bagging medals in numerous events.
Heize Kahindo, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee and executive member of Kenya Aquatics, was thrilled by the turnout and energy at the event.
He emphasized the promising future of the sport in the region, particularly inspired by the performances of master swimmers.
Kahindo extended heartfelt gratitude to the Kenyan government, under the Ministry of Sports, as well as the stakeholders and sponsors who made the championship possible.
In the Masters(athletes aged 25 yrs and above) women category, Kenyan women took the day after garnering 1102 points. They were followed by Team Uganda, who garnered 662 points.
In the men category, Kenya took the gold medal with a total of 961 points. Uganda was second with 767, and Tanzania was third with 350.
In the combined Masters category, Kenya was the star in it after scoring 2063 points. Uganda was second with 1429, and Tanzania was third with 350 points.
In the Youth and Junior women category( Atheltes aged under 25yrs, Uganda was first with 1802 points. Kenya was second with 1661, and Tanzania was third with 1417 points.
In the men category, Uganda carried the day with 1991 points. Kenya were second with 1759, and Tanzania settled for third with 1721.
In the combined medal count, Uganda was first with 3933, while Kenya was second with 3572, and Tanzania settled for third with 3270.
The Ugandan team won the tenth edition of the Africa Zone 3 Championship, and thus the next event of the same will be held in Kampala, Uganda.
With the championship now successfully concluded, attention turns to the Africa Aquatics Open Water Championship, set to take place at Cocoa Beach Resort and Early Birds Banda Beach Nyali, Mombasa from October 21st to 24th .
Open water is a swimming competition which athletes compete in the ocean. The momentum built during this event promises an exciting future for swimming in Africa.
