Kenya’s swimmers dive into World Aquatics Championship waters

As the prestigious World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) take place in Budapest, Kenya’s formidable swimming squad is determined to make waves on the global stage.

The event--running from December 10 to December 15, 2024--features the world’s elite swimmers in a dazzling display of skill, endurance, and passion.

Kenya’s team, comprising four(4) athletes--Stephen Ndegwa, Imara Bella Thorpe, Sara Mose, and Haniel Kudwoli--has been training tirelessly and is eager to showcase its prowess.

The action begun on December 10, 2024, with Ndegwa and Thorpe competing in the 50m Butterfly heats at 10:25am. They were facing stiff competition in a field of nine heats featuring some of the fastest swimmers worldwide.

Stephen Ndegwa, a standout from Bandari Swim Club, is poised to impress. Renowned for his lightning-fast butterfly technique, he recently broke a long-standing record at the Mombasa County Swimming Championships.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent my country on this stage. I’m ready to give it my all," Ndegwa said before leaving for Budapest.

Imara Bella Thorpe, based in Scotland, brings a wealth of experience from competing in Europe’s most competitive swimming circuits. A former Commonwealth Games participant, her tactical approach and familiarity with high-pressure events make her a strong contender in the butterfly race.

Sara Mose, the youngest member of the team, already boasts significant international exposure.

Training under a prestigious World Aquatics scholarship in Antibes, France, Mose’s versatility across strokes positions her as a key figure in Kenya’s swimming future.

Haniel Kudwoli, a breaststroke specialist from Otters Swimming Club, enters the championships riding high on recent successes.

He shattered national records in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke, solidifying his status as one of Kenya’s top swimmers.

Team Manager George Munene emphasized the historic nature of Kenya’s participation in the championships.

"Our athletes have shown remarkable progress and are ready to compete against the world's best. Their dedication and hard work have been exemplary," Munene said.

Head Coach Noni echoed this sentiment, calling on Kenyans to rally behind the team.

"The athletes are in good form, and we are urging Kenyans to support them. The encouragement and well-wishes from back home have been incredible," she noted.

The inclusion of four athletes in this championship marks a significant milestone for Kenya, a nation traditionally celebrated for its track and field dominance.

This team represents a new era for swimming in the country, paving the way for future generations.

As the Kenyan swimmers take their marks in Budapest, the nation stands united, ready to cheer them on.

Whether they secure medals or personal bests, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of Kenya’s journey in the global swimming arena