Kendra Hawi and Simon Knaan were crowned the champions of Uasin Gishu County Aquatic Association Swimming Championships held over the weekend at the Eldoret’s Rupa Mall.
Representing Swimfit, Hawi won the girls category between 10 to 11 years 25m short course backstroke when she finished in 20.16 seconds beating Vahkeinah Leboy of Torpedo who came second after timing 20.90, beating compatriot Nadia Vusha to third in 21.01.
As Hawi shone in girls, it was time for Knaan, also from Torpedo to showcase his skills after winning the boys category in 22.83 ahead of Brighton Kuria from Ndupawa clocked 23.63 while Jeremiah Opere was third in 26.20.
Knaan also anchored his Torpedo team in the mixed freestyle, aged between 10-13 years 100m relay for the title after teaming up with Abigael Bochere, Vahkenah Leboy and Jeremy Kogo.
The championships brought together eight teams that were made up of Greenvale School, Eldoret, Ndupawa Swim Club, Nova Swim Club, Quest Dolphins Swim Club, Rupaz Elite Swim Team, Swift Kids Kisumu, Swimfit Class Kisumu and Torpedo.
In the under 7 cadre, Greenvale’s Beru Mimi won the girls title in the breaststroke when she finished in 30.39 beating school mate Amber Nduati (32.51) and Blessing Niphrey of Swimfit Class coming third in 32.92.
It was Troy Leboy who won the boys under 7 years. The Torpedo based swimmer timed 30.65 relegating teammate Nathan Kiprono to second in 31.06 as Ryan Waweru from Ndupawa was third.
According to Peter Wanga the Public Relation Officer Uasin Gishu County said that the main purpose of the development gala is to create awareness to the young swimmers in the region so that they can focus on various stages.
“We wanted to give the juniors a chance to have a try in the sport and give coaches shortcomings of their swimmers so that they can improve on certain areas as they focus to be professional sports men and women in future.