Mu‎rang’a, Kenya – ACK Thika Memorial Church School delivered a commanding performance at the inaugural Murang’a Aquatics Swimming Championship, held over the weekend at their home pool. The championship, sanctioned by Kenya Aquatics, brought together over ten competitive teams, including Vidhu Ramji, ACK St. James, Lerrand School, Young Talent Swimming Club, Mugumoini Primary, Karibaribi, and Makongo Primary.

 

The highly anticipated event provided a thrilling platform for young swimmers to showcase their talent, with ACK Thika Memorial Church School proving to be the dominant force in multiple categories. Among the standout swimmers of the gala was Justin Mwangi from Vidhu Ramji Junior School, who clinched victory in the Boys 14-15 100 SC Meter Individual Medley with an impressive time of 1:58.42. In the Girls 12-13 category, Wanjiru Ngugi of Young Talent Club shone in the same event, clocking 2:17.49 to claim first place. Carlton Kaberu of ACK Thika Memorial Church School displayed exceptional technique in the Boys 8-9 25 SC freestyle finishing with a time of 22.01. Another remarkable performance came from Stephanie Wanjiku Ndirangu of ACK St. James, who triumphed in the Girls 6-7 100 SC Meter Individual Medley with a time of 2:30.44.

 

Speaking after the event, Governor of Murang’a Aquatics, Ex-Senior Sergeant KDF Joseph Ndung’u, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in making the inaugural gala a success. He highlighted the county’s immense and largely untapped swimming talent, reiterating the association’s commitment to working closely with schools and clubs to nurture young swimmers and elevate Murang’a’s standing on the national swimming stage. In a significant milestone, several swimmers from Murang’a have now qualified for the Kenya National Junior Swimming Championship, set to take place on May 3rd and 4th, 2025, at Aga Khan Primary School in Kisumu.

 

The team rankings further underscored ACK Thika Memorial Church School’s dominance, as they amassed a staggering 2,571 points to claim the overall title. ACK St. James finished second with 365 points, narrowly edging out Vidhu Ramji Junior School, who secured third place with 354 points. The championship not only served as a competitive showcase but also reaffirmed ACK Thika Memorial Church School’s reputation as a powerhouse in youth swimming development.

 

To further enhance competitiveness, Murang’a Aquatics will collaborate with other emerging swimming hubs, including Nyeri, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, and Nyandarua, to form a formidable Mt. Kenya Bloc team. Selected swimmers will undergo an intensive one-week training camp at St. Christopher’s School in Nanyuki during the April school holidays, where they will refine their strokes, turns, starts, and dives in preparation for upcoming national events.

 

Murang’a Aquatics officials extended their appreciation to ACK Thika Memorial Church School for not only hosting the event but also for providing a top-tier swimming facility open to the public. They emphasized that such facilities are essential in fostering a strong swimming culture, nurturing talent, and supporting drowning prevention initiatives within the region.

 

With this championship setting a strong foundation, Murang’a’s young swimmers now have their sights set on national and international waters, determined to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s competitive swimming scene.