The Uasin Gishu Minnows Swimming Championship on November 30, 2024, at Eldoret, the city of champions was more than just a competition—it was a festival of young talent, determination, and camaraderie. The event brought together some of the region’s most promising swimmers, representing teams from Uasin Gishu, Kisumu and beyond, in a vibrant display of the growing passion for aquatics.
As the sun bathed the pool in golden light, young swimmers from teams like Torpedo Swim Club, Swimfit Classic Kisumu, Rapids Swim Club, Rupaz Elite Swim Team, Tsunami Titans Swim Club, Ndupawa Swim Club, and Blue Elite prepared to make waves. Each team brought its own story, filled with grit, preparation, and dreams of glory.
Hillary Leboy, the spirited Governor of Uasin Gishu Aquatics, encapsulated the mood, stating, “We are happy for the teams and swimmers who participated in the minnows, and I am happy to see the young ones promising to be the future champs. Swimming in Uasin Gishu has taken off very well, and we are not relenting. Our strategy is clear: bolstering coaching, building athlete development programs, and ensuring strong club and county structures. With three of our swimmers already in the national junior team, the sky is the limit.”
Torpedo Swim Club stood out with a dominant performance, taking home 89 medals, including 19 golds. The crowd roared as standout swimmer Kemuel Kosgei shattered records in the Boys’ 8-Year-Olds 50m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle. Swimfit Classic Kisumu followed closely with 62 medals, thanks to rising stars like Sayari Alexander, who won the Girls’ 8-Year-Olds 50m Freestyle with a remarkable time. Rapids Swim Club rounded out the top three, with 21 medals, as their swimmers showcased resilience and skill.
But it wasn’t just about medals—it was about the collective spirit of every swimmer and team that graced the waters. From the impressive newcomers of Blue Elite to the spirited efforts of Ndupawa Swim Club, every team added their unique spark to the meet. Rupaz Elite Swim Team, with its technical precision, and Tsunami Titans Swim Club, with its fierce determination, gave the audience moments to cherish.
As the day came to a close, Governor Leboy outlined the path forward. Clubs are gearing up for the East African Chipkizi Swimming Championship in Arusha, Tanzania, on December 14-15, 2024. This age-group meet promises to test the mettle of Uasin Gishu’s swimmers against their peers from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. “We urge our teams to participate,” Leboy encouraged. “It’s a critical step in our journey to dominate both the national and international meets.”