The Kiambu Aquatics Annual Masters Gala held on 7th December, 2024 at Potterhouse School Runda concluded with resounding success, drawing a vibrant mix of veteran swimmers and first-time competitors to celebrate swimming as a lifelong sport. Held annually, this gala is a cornerstone of Kenya’s Masters swimming calendar, offering an avenue for athletes over 25 to showcase their talents, foster camaraderie, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The competition witnessed fierce rivalry among participating clubs, with the top three overall medal winners making an indelible mark: Comprehensive Swim Fitness Kenya – Dominated the leaderboard with an impressive tally of 49 medals (32 Bronze, 8 Silver, 9 Gold) followed by Hospital Hill School Alumni 15 gold 9 silver and 8 bronze and 2nd runners up overall won by The Harpoons Swim Club 12 gold 22 silver and 12 bronze

Among the standout swimmers, certain swimmers left the audience spellbound with their exceptional timings: Maxie Groh (36, Comprehensive Swim Fitness Kenya) in the 50m Freestyle Women (35-39) set the pool ablaze with a time of 34.78 seconds. Patricia Wanjama (43, Hospital Hill School Alumni) delivered an extraordinary performance in the 50m Backstroke Women (40-44), clocking 50.65 seconds. Luke Horswell (36, Comprehensive Swim Fitness Kenya) in the 25m Backstroke Men (35-39) stunned the competition with a time of 15.46 seconds.

Esther Kariuki, 71 years old of United Swimming Club hyped the spirit of the gala, completing her events with poise and determination, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion.

The event also garnered praise from Dr. Maureen Owiti, President Kenya Aquatics who expressed her delight at the large turnout. “Kiambu Aquatics has crafted a way of making Masters swimming popular in the country, and other counties should emulate the same. I am also impressed to see corporates fielding their employees, which is a positive move for the country,” she remarked. Dr. Owiti also announced that the National Masters Swimming Championship, scheduled for March 22, 2025, will serve as trials for the World Aquatics Masters in Singapore.

Governor Gideon Kioko of Kiambu Aquatics commended the participants for their commitment to health and fitness. “Swimming works all body muscles and is a low-risk sport in terms of injury. I encourage more Kenyans to take up Masters swimming,” he noted. Governor Kioko also lauded Genesis Sports Limited for their sponsorship, which ensured the event’s success, alongside the vibrant presence of Kenyan celebrity Wahu Kagwe, who energized the audience and cheered her favorite team. The Kenya water polo culminated the event with a display of water polo game which is taking shape in the country ahead of the inaugural National Water Polo Tournament on 12th July, 2025 at Kasarani.

In the overall medal tally, Comprehensive Swim Fitness Kenya emerged victorious, dethroning the rotation shield from defending champions Harpoons Swim Club. The gala, which awarded medals, trophies, and cash prizes, alongside certificates for all participants, concluded with anticipation for an even grander sixth edition next year. The Kiambu Aquatics Masters Gala continues to serve as a shining example of how sport transcends age, inspiring swimmers to pursue excellence and health throughout their lives.