As Jason says, set goal and aim to achieve it

By Ernest Ndunda

Jason Dunford, the reigning Commonwealth Games 50m butterfly champion has challenged the upcoming swimmers to set a goal in swimming and aim at it if they dream of becoming world champions.

"It is not smooth sailing to succeed in any sport. One has to be committed to realise his or her dream," said Jason.

Swimmers during the award dinner organised by Kenya Swimming Federation last weekend in Mombasa to honour them. Jason Dunford is third from right. [PHOTO: ERNEST NDUNDA/STANDARD]

Jason, who holds dozens of national records alongside African and Commonwealth Games titles, said swimming has bright future as athletics.

Jason said this on Saturday night at Shehnai Hotel in Mombasa when he was feted by the Kenya Swimming Federation together with other swimmers who participated in the Africa Senior Championships in Morocco and Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

The recipients were brothers Jason and David Dunford, Ramadhan Vyombo, Anham Salyani, Hamdan Bayusuf, Mohamod Zubeir, Abdulmajid Kadernani and Sylvia Brunlehner, who was the only locally based swimmer to win two silver medals in last year’s Africa Junior Championships in Mauritius. Also feted were the coaches and team managers who accompanied the swimmers to the two championships.

"We appreciate the gesture shown by Kenya Swimming Federation to honour swimmers who have been flying the country’s flag high in the recent years," said Jason when he was called to address the upcoming swimmers.

Jason said it had taken him and his younger brother David a lot of commitment to reach their peak.

"We have become role models to many and I challenge other swimmers to aim higher", said Jason.