For decades, Kenya has been synonymous with athletics dominance, but in swimming, the nation’s golden era faded after the Dunford brothers, Jason and David, made history by qualifying for the Olympics and putting Kenya on the global swimming map. Today, one of Kenya’s most experienced swimming coaches, Fakhry Mansoor, popularly known as King Fakhry, is determined to see Kenya reclaim its place in global swimming competitions.

A Glorious Past, A Struggling Present

In 2006, Jason Dunford made history by winning gold in the 100m butterfly at the African Swimming Championships in Dakar, Senegal. Two years later, Jason and his younger brother David became the first Kenyans to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics without needing wildcard entries.

However, since then, Kenya has struggled to replicate that success. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ridhwan Abubakar and Maria Brunlehner carried the nation’s hopes. Unfortunately, Abubakar’s and Maria campaign ended abruptly after narrowly missing the semi-final slots in 400 and 50 metres freestyles respectively.

The King’s Blueprint for Success

In an exclusive interview with Kenya Swimming TV, King Fakhry emphasized that the road to Olympic medals is not paved overnight. For him, early identification and structured youth development programs are the key ingredients to success.

“Honestly, work must be done. You do not start one year at the Olympics. It has to be a program where you start kids from a young age, the same way the Chinese, Americans, and Australians are doing,” he remarked.

Fakhry highlighted the importance of exposing young swimmers to international competitions early, providing them with the mental fortitude and experience needed to excel under pressure.

Modern Training and Technology: The Game-Changer

King Fakhry also touched on the evolution of training techniques and technological advancements in swimming. Modern facilities, precise performance-tracking tools, and state-of-the-art swimming gear have redefined how swimmers prepare for elite competitions.

“Today, there are more tests to measure improvement, advanced facilities, and even the nutritional knowledge has greatly evolved. Athletes today know what to eat, how to recover, and how to condition their bodies for peak performance,” he noted.

Financial Barriers: The Achilles’ Heel

Despite these advancements, financial constraints remain a significant barrier for many aspiring swimmers in Kenya. According to Fakhry, swimming has become an expensive sport, with costs ranging from club memberships, coaching fees, and access to facilities, to purchasing essential swimming gear.

“To join a club, pay for a pool, and access quality coaching, you need significant financial investment. If you want to compete nationally or internationally, the costs multiply,” Fakhry explained.

From Champion Swimmer to Inspirational Coach

Fakhry Mansoor is not just a coach but also a decorated former swimmer. He represented Kenya in the 1998 Africa Senior Championship, where he won two bronze medals, and competed in the 2002 Open Water Swimming Championships in Egypt.

His coaching credentials are equally impressive. He served as Team Kenya’s head coach during the Tokyo Olympics, and currently leads swimming programs at the Aga Khan Academy and Bandari Swimming Club. He also personally coached Ridhwan Abubakar for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As a FINA Level 3 accredited coach and holder of 15 national swimming records, King Fakhry combines experience, passion, and expertise to nurture the next generation of Kenyan swimming champions.

The Way Forward

King Fakhry’s insights offer a roadmap for Kenyan swimming: early talent development, investment in advanced training facilities, improved coaching techniques, and greater financial support for athletes. He believes that with proper planning and commitment from stakeholders, Kenya can once again produce world-class swimmers capable of bringing home Olympic medals.

“We must be deliberate in our approach. From the grassroots to the international stage, we must support our swimmers every step of the way. Only then will we see Kenya rise as a swimming powerhouse,” he concluded.

As Kenya looks towards future Olympic Games, one thing is clear: under the guidance of coaches like King Fakhry, the tides could soon turn in favor of Kenyan swimming.