Kenya successfully hosted the seventh edition of African Swimming Federation (CANA) Age-group Zone Three/Four Championships and posted encouraging results.
The country, for the first time in history of the gala, emerged the overall winners with 2978 points, thanks to the splendid display by junior swimmers. Local swimmers competed effectively with the rest of Africa, a clear indication that there is abundant talent at the grassroots.
For example, for 10-year-old Rebecca Kamau to scoop six gold medals and one silver in the under-10 category speaks volumes about the talent Kenya has. Since the juniors have shown their ability, the challenge goes to the Government and Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) to prepare them for the future. They must go to Mombasa, Kisumu, Port Victoria and Homa Bay to identify talent from the shores of Lake Victoria and Indian Ocean.
They rshould ensure identified talent is fully nurtured for Kenya to realise her dream of being a swimming force on the continent. These youngsters must be developed if we are to have a large pool of swimmers in future.
It is suicidal that Kenya relies on just a few athletes at the senior stage. The best example came when Jason Dunford’s midway withdrawal from the last All Africa Games in Algeria to take his examinations almost brought to an end to Kenya’s medals rush at the event, since he was the country’s only hope.
After the juniors’ successful participation at the gala, Kenyans now hope that the seniors will take over the mantle and do a repeat performance at the major African Championships in September. But the success will only come with better preparation, focus and commitment from the Government, KSF and swimmers.
