The Kiambu Aquatics Level 2 Swimming Gala delivered two days of electrifying swimming action at Regis School, Runda, culminating in a spectacular showdown on Sunday. The event brought together 19 elite teams from various counties, including powerhouse clubs such as Aga Khan Academy (Nairobi), Pioneer School (Murang’a), Braeburn Swimming Club, M-Pesa Foundation, Seal Swim Club, and Hydrofit Swim Club.

With over 200 swimmers and 1,500 entries, the gala became a proving ground for Kenya’s next generation of swimming champions.

The competition was fierce, but Tipowasunge Darlene, 22, from Genesis Sports Limited, stole the spotlight in the 50m butterfly, clinching gold with a time of 39.15. Speaking after her victory, Darlene emphasized the importance of dedication and training, encouraging more swimmers in her age category to step forward for tougher competition.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Muema James from Super Marlins turned heads with dominant performances across multiple events. He stormed to victory in the 200m individual medley (3:25.16) and 50m butterfly, earning multiple gold medals and expressing his determination to better his times in future competitions.

In the 8-9 girls category, Nuru Nadia (9) from Aqua Shark Fin topped the individual medal standings with an impressive 54 points, solidifying her place as one to watch in Kenyan swimming.

In the fiercely contested men’s category, Super Marlins emerged as overall champions with 33 medals (18 gold, 10 silver, 5 bronze), edging out Hydrofit Swim Club, which secured 37 medals (16 gold, 11 silver, 10 bronze). Aga Khan Academy Nairobi followed in third with 17 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze).

On the women’s side, Hydrofit Swim Club dominated with 21 medals (12 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze), followed by Braeburn Swimming Club with 13 medals (8 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze). Aga Khan Academy Nairobi claimed third place with 18 medals (7 gold, 8 silver, 3 bronze).

In the overall standings, Hydrofit Swim Club emerged victorious with 60 medals (28 gold, 17 silver, 15 bronze), followed by Super Marlins (51 medals: 25 gold, 16 silver, 10 bronze) and Aga Khan Academy Nairobi (41 medals: 19 gold, 14 silver, 8 bronze).

The 10-11 age group men’s category saw Kamau Maxwell from Hydrofit Swim Club lead the way with 88 points, proving his dominance in this division.

Beyond the medals, the gala underscored the growth of competitive swimming in Kiambu County and Kenya at large. Gladwin Kirimi, head of the gender department at Kiambu Aquatics Association, praised the increased participation of girls and urged more boys to join the sport with the same enthusiasm as football and athletics.

Coach Muhammed Ibrahim (Hydrofit Swim Club) expressed pride in his swimmers’ performance, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. He applauded Kiambu Aquatics for organizing a high-level competition, which provided a fair and competitive platform for young swimmers.

Coach Francis Mwangi, treasurer of Kiambu Aquatics, highlighted the association’s commitment to modernizing swimming infrastructure. He called on stakeholders to collaborate in elevating Kenyan swimming to global standards.

As the waves settle, all eyes now turn to the next Kiambu Aquatics gala on March 22-23, which promises fast-paced sprints and thrilling relay races at Regis School, Runda. With talent on full display and fierce rivalries brewing, the stage is set for another chapter in Kenya’s rising swimming scene.