Dunford Honoured

By Gilbert Wandera in Maputo Mozambique

Jason Dunford won a first for Kenya when he was named the overall men swimmer of this year’s All-Africa games as the swimming event came to a close on Saturday at the Olympic Zimpeto pool.

Jason Dunford. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

The older Dunford wrapped up what has been a brilliant championship for him and the Kenyan team with a last day bronze medal in the 50m free-style event clocking 23.46.

The event was won by South Africa’s Gideon Louw in a new games record time of 22.34.

David Dunford his younger brother won the silver medal with a new personal best time of 22.71 improving on his previous best time of 22.85.

In total, Jason, picked up two gold medals, three silver and three bronze as well as another three bronze medals from the relay events to emerge the top swimmer in this games and he was delighted with the achievement.

"When I came for this games, I wanted to equal my previous performance at the 2007 All-Africa games. I am glad that not only did I do it, but I also surpassed that performance," he said.

"It is a very inspiring trophy and I am glad that the effort I put in training has finally paid off," he said after being handed the honour by organisers here.

Jason said he is always honoured to represent the country in international events and now looks forward to the Olympic games next year where he feels he is a medal prospect.

"My brother and I are glad to have the opportunities we have to improve on our swimming. We have used them positively and it has worked for us. After this games, I believe I have done enough to go for an Olympic medal next year."

Better swimmer

"It has been a great year for me especially after finishing fourth in the World Championships for the first time and so I believe an Olympic podium finish is not impossible," he said.

His younger brother David, equally had an excellent championships as he won his first gold at the games in the 100m Freestyle.

"The last time I did not win any medal and coming here, I was desperate to get something. I am glad it has happened," David said.

"This has come as a result of a lot of work in the last four years and I believe I am a better swimmer than I was last time," he said.

David said he is looking forward to make it to the final of the Olympics and then maybe he can start thinking of winning a medal then.

"My priority as regards the Olympics is to make it to the final and then maybe I can start thinking of plotting to get a medal after that," he revealed.