Beukes, Durand set records at LC gala
The Bank Windhoek and Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation’s (NASFED) third Long Course (LC) gala held over the past weekend, set new swimming records as over 200 athletes competed in 41 swimming events at the Olympia Swimming Pool in Windhoek.Six clubs participated in the Championships: Aqua Swimming and Fitness Club, Dolphins Swimming Club, Flippers Swimming Club, Infinity Aquatic Centre, Marlins Swimming Club and Swakopmund Swimming Club. One visiting team from Botswana, the Propellers Swimming Club, also participated.
Awarded as the club with the highest points was Dolphins Swimming Club, with 4390 points, followed by Aqua Swimming and Fitness Club at 2136 points and Marlins Swimming Club with 216 points.
Bank Windhoek's Bronwyn Moody, said the bank’s support for swimming in Namibia started in 2013. "Over the years, this has accumulated nearly to nearly N$3 million in supporting NASFED. The sponsorship of swimming is a success story for Bank Windhoek.”
Moody added that the sport now has a solid foundation, with swimmers and teams progressing to represent Namibia at the game's highest levels.
NASFED'S Public Relations Officer, Carol Anne Esterhuizen, thanked Bank Windhoek as the event's main sponsor. “Bank Windhoek's support and partnership played a key role in the event's success; we appreciate their involvement.”
Top performers
Luke Beukes from Aqua Swimming and Fitness Club set a record for the 15-16 Men’s 50 Butterfly Category in a time of 25.6 seconds. “It feels amazing to set a record. It has always been a dream of mine since I began swimming about four years ago. Another goal of mine is to qualify for the Olympics in 2028,” he said.
Oliver Durand from Dolphins Swimming Club set a record for the 17-18 Men's 50 Butterfly Category with 25.5 seconds. "I am super proud of my achievements and progress throughout the years." He said he looks forward to participating in the Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, which will be held from the end of April to the beginning of May 2025, in Cairo, Egypt.
Junior Victrix Ludorum winner Ainoa Naukosho from Dolphins Swimming Club said the championship was fun and competitive. "I beat many unexpected times, which I am happy about. I am proud of my achievements because I have worked hard to prepare for them.”
Winners
Senior Victors Ludorum
1. Oliver Durand (17), with 4294 FINA points.
2. Jessica Humprey (16), with 3951 FINA points.
Junior Victors Ludorum
1. Jiao Naan (14), with 183 points.
2. Ainoa Naukosho (14), with 134 points.
This gala brings to an end the LC season. The Short Course season will commence on Friday, 25 April and will be hosted by Marlins Swimming Club in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Oranjemund.