Nyanza swimming gala: Aga Khan top in Kisumu as newcomers rule Nasa gala

By Elizabeth Mburugu and Phillip Orwa

Hosts Aga Khan Primary School of Kisumu collected 401 points to win the Nyanza swimming gala at the weekend.

Jalaram Academy followed in the second position after collecting a total of 305 points, followed in third place by Chemelil Academy who managed 195 points.

Fourth overall was Makini School that posted a total of 148 points, while Booker Academy managed 144 points to come fifth.

Braeburn Kisumu was sixth with 91 points, while Lwak Girls High School managed 64 points to finish eighth ahead of Kisumu Academy on 24 points.

The swimming gala was used to select swimmers that will represent Nyanza in next month’s national championships in Nairobi.

“Children have different talents and as teachers what we do is nurture them,” said Makini School (Kisumu) Head Teacher Patrick Imbuga.

Mark Abuya the Nyanza Swimming Federation Secretary thanked schools and parents for allowing children to participate in the gala.

Meanwhile, upcoming swimmers excelled in the Nairobi Swimming Association (NASA) age group swimming gala held at the Aga Khan High School Nairobi.

The ‘A’ gala, which is an entry level competition for swimmers with low meet times, attracted 2,722 entries yesterday.

Despite being an entry level event, swimmers performed well, beating the tripple ‘A’ required times in the event.

Michuki topped the boys’ 8-9 years 100m freestyle in 1:36.07, beating the triple ‘A’ required time of 1:44.00.

Michuki told FeverPitch: “I train very hard and also pay attention to what my coach says besides learning from senior swimmers,” he said.

Ishaq Bashir was second in  1:36.12, while Evans Kanja was third after posting 1:36.78.

Hannah Meleche clocked 3:13.45 to win the girls’ 14-15 years 200m individual medley with her closest rival Wanjiku Njoroge finishing in 3:20.09.

Celine Hussy was third in  3:41.12. Veena Erasmus of the International School of Kenya (ISK) excelled in the girls’ 12-13 years 200m individual medley in 3:19.96 followed by Shreya Srivatsa (3:37.52) and Dalila Menedhi also of ISK in 3:38.00.