Swimmers excel at Nationals
Swimming
Dolphins and Aqua swimming clubs dominated the short-course championship.
The Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation (NASFED) hosted its annual national short-course swimming championship from Thursday until yesterday at The Cube in Swakopmund.Already on the opening day, Roselinda Matyayi (12) from Aqua Swimming and Fitness Club in Swakopmund broke two Namibian records, the 100m butterfly and 50m backstroke.
Matyayi continued to make a statement as she broke 11 Namibian age records at the championship. In an interview, she said: “I’m happy with my performance. I’ve really been putting in the hard work and spending a lot of hours in the water. So yes, I am happy with the numbers and records. “
Oliver Durand (16) looked to be in good shape too, after setting five new Namibian age records. “I feel good; the competition was really nice and I enjoyed it out there.”
Ainoa Naukosho (12) from Dolphins Swimming club also made her mark as she broke five national age records.
Maya Brinkman (15), who won a bronze medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago this year, scooped up 15 medals. ‘‘My preparations went well. I have been focusing on the triathlon side of things, but nonetheless I feel great and happy with how I performed here,” she said.
Reza Westerduin (16) from Aqua was just as happy after breaking the national record for girls aged 15-16 in the 1500 metres freestyle.
Dolphins and Aqua dominated the relays, sharing ten new records between them.
All the sessions can be viewed on the Sport Wrap Facebook page, as Namibia Media Holdings was present to stream this prestigious event.
Competition
With foreign swimmers seeded in the top-three placings in 17 of the 80 events, the participation of South Africa, Zambia and Angola kept spectators on the edge of their seats, especially to witness some of the the intense battles.
Adrian van Wyk from South Africa visited Namibia for the first time. “I enjoyed my time here, I actually did not get enough time to practice, but I feel good and the competition was really tight too, so big ups to the guys. It was great.”
Publicity
NASFED president Riaan Steyn said hosting high-profile events of this magnitude brings publicity by raising the profile of the country and potentially increasing sports tourism.
“By working with local stakeholders, these sectors have the benefit of freely marketing themselves and providing a positive impact in their community. Sports tourism has a significant impact on the economic growth of cities across the globe. It creates job opportunities, increased tax revenue, boosts local businesses and attracts new businesses to the area.’’
At the official opening ceremony on Saturday morning, the entries from 16 clubs from South Africa, Angola and Zambia made it more special, and seeing all the swimmers take their place around the pool with their flags was a beautiful scene.