Yakim Kinda was one of the standout performers at the Kenya Aquatics National Junior Championships held at St. Christopher’s School in Nanyuki on Saturday, 22 August.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsKinda, only 11, powered to victory in the boys’ 50-metre butterfly, recording a quick finish to take gold in a time of 34.02 seconds.The Swim Fit Club talent was one of 600 swimmers who converged on the opening day of the championships, which are expected to usher in a busy calendar for young swimmers in the country.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907915##Behind Kinda in the event final was Elite Swim Club’s Imani Earnest, who took bronze, with Jason Mwanzia of Wave Gliders completing the podium in third position.Kinda attributed the success to consistent training and the support of his coaches.“I am very happy to win the race,” Kinda said post-race. “I have been training hard, and I hope to win more races as I continue improving.”©Kenya AquaticsAlso attending the championship was renowned swimming coach Glenn Neufeld from the United States, who remained in Kenya following the conclusion of the American Swimming Coaches Association training programme that took place last week.Top American swimming coach to conduct clinic in KenyaNeufeld praised the large turnout and the enthusiasm shown by the young swimmers, noting Kenya had considerable potential to develop competitive swimming, but had to keep strengthening its structures, particularly in coach education and development.“Good coaching is a key component in the development of great athletes,” he said. “Properly trained coaches can help young swimmers improve their technique and progress through the different stages of their careers.”Why key official believes Kenyan swimming is on the rise after 2026 Commonwealth GamesKenya Aquatics President Teddy Wamuyu, on the other hand, thanked parents, coaches, clubs, schools, officials and other stakeholders for continuing to support competitive swimming.Wamuyu said the National Junior Championships provide the federation with an important platform for identifying emerging talent, and monitoring the development of young swimmers.“I encouraged coaches, parents and swimming programmes to embrace a long-term athlete development approach,” he said. “That allows swimmers to develop progressively without placing too much emphasis on short-term results.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9907034##St. Christopher’s Schools Nanyuki Director Bernard Mathu welcomed the swimming fraternity to Laikipia, and thanked Kenya Aquatics for selecting the institution to host the national championship.Mathu noted that it was the first time the event had been staged in Laikipia County, describing it as an important milestone for the school and the wider region.©Kenya Aquatics“St. Christopher’s Schools remains committed to supporting competitive swimming and providing young athletes with opportunities to develop,” he said.Following the junior championships, the federation will turn its attention to the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, scheduled for 25-26 August in Kampala, Uganda.
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