Swimming: Saints emerge tops in Mt Kenya gala

Shantel Wambui during Mt. Kenya swimming gala in Nyeri, on Saturday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Nanyuki-based St. Christopher’s School outclassed hosts Mt Kenya Academy in the Private and International Preps Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) age group swimming Championships over the weekend.

Christened the “Saints”, St. Christopher’s dominated the day-long gala alongside hosts Mt Kenya Academy, Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy, Muga Academy and Damacrest.

The championship doubled up as memorial for the late Patrick Muyah - former Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) president who passed away in 2020. Muyah came from Othaya, Nyeri and left behind an indelible mark in swimming.

In the combined team event, Saints amassed a total of 1,036 points, edging out the host who managed to bag 525 points.

Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy picked 77 points, Muga Academy walked away with five points as Damacrest closed the podium finish with one point.

The champions also featured strongly in the individual placings with seven-year-old Malcom Kimani scoring the highest personal score of 31 points through 126 events.

A total of 80 swimmers from St Christopher’s School – Nanyuki, will represent Mt. Kenya region in the PIPSSA Nationals Swimming Championships to be held at Oshwal Academy Mombasa, on February, 12.

Swimmers with best times are expected to represent the country at the East Africa Dolphins Invitational Swimming Championships, in April. [Mose Sammy]

According to St. Christopher’s coach, Omar Ali Omari;

“The swimmers were upbeat on triumphing in the national competitions next month and hopefully proceed to represent the country in East African Championships, a feat they have achieved previously.