Young swimmers to light up swimming finale

• BY MICHAEL UUGWANGA

THIS weekend will see some of the country’s top young swimmers gracing the last event of the year, the Bank Windhoek long course swimming gala, which takes place at the Olympia Swimming Pool.

Some of the top stars that will be participating in the local swimming competition are Oliver Durand, Mikah Burger, Nicole Redeker, Ariana Naukosho, Lorenzo Esterhuizen, Jessica Humphrey and Rose Matayi among others.

Speaking to Confidente Sport, Namibia Swimming Federation (NASF) executive committee member, Nicky McNamara said she expects a good finale and that the swimmers should remain fit over the festive season ahead of the next swimming season set to start in January.

“One hundred and thirty six swimmers from four clubs, namely, Aqua Swimming and Fitness Club, Dolphins Swimming Club, Marlins Aquatic Club and Phoenix Swimming Academy will be gracing the event.

“Although training for some has been on the back burner due to exams, the majority are in peak physical fitness. We hope to see some great performances.

Durand, Burger, Redeker, Naukosho, Esterhuizen, Humphrey and Rose Matayi are all young swimmers on the path to greatness,” said McNamara.

2021 has been a good year for local swimmers at the international stage, thanks to the good showing of Phillip Seidler who was competing in the Olympic 10km open water swimming and came 16th in Tokyo, while Ronan Wantenaar and Xander Skinner will be competing at the 15th FINA World Championships in Abu Dhabi from December 16 to 21.

McNamara also thanked Bank Windhoek for its support towards the sport code.

“Seidler’s performance at the Olympics was phenomenal. We also want to wish them (Wantenaar and Skinner) the best and we are looking forward to seeing them strive for greatness.

“We are grateful to our sponsors Bank Windhoek for walking this path with us.

Their assistance is priceless and we are thankful to have them on board.”