Kenyan Nationals Swimming Gala, Nairobi

"Anticipation oozes through my body behind the blocks, warming my blood with a combination of anxiety and confidence. Not as much fear anymore because, although it took time to overcome, I’ve been taught the power of fear in hindering performance. It’s the individuality of the sport, a competition against the old you. The water and I. My mind and body ready for the ice cold water, and before I know it I’m off the blocks, swimming what I’ve planned and the race is over. Somehow, all the hard work in training has become bittersweet pain because despite how bad it all seemed and felt over the weeks, Coach Rama’s "torture" is more than just rewarding.

As a team, some of us were able to qualify for international events, thrash national records like Shaan Vora did in the 400m individual medley (some insight about the event: ridiculously hard) or the 10 and 11 year old girls who broke 4 Kenyan records in their relays, some, ranked amongst the top 8 swimmers in their age groups, received a number of medals. But most importantly, breaking our personal best times because improvement is what we strive for. Although rather alarming at times, the roar of the crowd hypes the atmosphere. But what counts, is the belief and support provided by your team mates, parents and coaches delivered in words, hugs or uncontrollable cheering. No matter how big or small the act is, it still feels special. With them and thanks to them you grow as a person, both physically (with more muscles most of the time) and mentally as a person."

Submitted by Sabrina Kassam 

Summary of results

Kenyan Rankings:

Riva Karia 2^nd overall 10/ 11 girls in KenyaAlisha Varia 3^rd overall 10/ 11 girls in Kenya

Tiana Vora 8^th overall 10/ 11 girls in Kenya

Kunaal Khagram 6^th overall 10/ 11 boys in Kenya

Aheer Chatterjee 7^th overall 10/ 11 boys in Kenya

Karan Khagram 4^th overall 12/13 boys in Kenya

Shaan Vora 8^th overall 12/13 boys in Kenya & 400 Individual record national record.

Sabrina Kassam qualified and will represent Tanzania in the following events:

• CANA Zone 3 & 4 in Uganda,
• African Junior Games in Bostwana
• Commonwealth Games in Scotland 

Malindi Vaughan qualified represent Tanzania for CANA Zone 3 & 4 in Uganda 

Joshua Ekirikubinza qualified to represent Uganda in the following events

• CANA Zone 3 & 4 in Uganda,
• Commonwealth Games in Scotland
• Youth Olympic Games in China  

Shivraj Vahgela is  top youngest swimmer in the open events where he swam with swimmers who are 4 years plus older than him, and finished in top 5 in all his events … we are just awaiting confirmation of his team selection for junior Olympics and common wealth games. 

Kenya Team selections are still to be made but our swimmers are looking very promising in making the selection to represent Kenya for CANA 3 & 4 and African Junior Games. The swimmers mentioned about including Lorenzo Mancini finished in the top 8 in the country in all their events. 

Girls 10/ 11 relay team of (Tiana, Alisha, Riva, Hiral) broke 4 national records  in the 4x100m free, 4x200m free, 4x100m Medley, 4x50m medley