Eswatini makes more waves in Qatar
MBABANE - Eswatini swimming sensation Swakhile Dlamini attained a new personal best (PB) time in the 100-metre Freestyle event yesterday morning.
This is the second PB attained by the country’s athletes during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, after another local swimmer Chadd Ning also got a PB time in the 100-metre Breaststroke event on Sunday morning.
The Eswatini Swimming team, consisting of Chadd Ning and Siwakhile Dlamini, swimming Coach Mark Hoare and Secretary General (SG) Nozipho Mahlalela, are currently in Doha to participate in the prestigious competition, which includes various aquatic disciplines such as swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming, and open water swimming.
Female athlete Swakhile Dlamini, who is based in Phuket, Thailand, put on a strong performance in her recent race, finishing in seventh place out of a field of 10 athletes from various countries.
She completed the race with an impressive time of 1:06.32 minutes. The winner of her heat was Dermishi Arla from Albania, who finished with a time of 1:01.71 minutes. The event is set to conclude next week.
Satisfaction
ESA interim President Welcome Nhlabatsi expressed his satisfaction with Swakhile’s performance, noting that she achieved a PB time.
“Swakhile’s performance was indeed impressive, and it’s clear that her training regimen is paying off.
“We are excited to see her compete in the 50 metres freestyle, her final race on Saturday.
“We are optimistic that she will perform well, and as her coach and president, we re thrilled with her progress. Although Swakhile aimed for a time of 1:04, she expressed satisfaction with her performance and is motivated to continue improving,” he said.
Delighted
ESA SG Nozipho Mahlalela stated that the association was delighted with Swakhile’s performance. Mahlalela emphasized that the organisation is proud of Swakhile’s hard work and dedication, and looks forward to her future performances.
“Indeed, Swakhile’s hard work and commitment have paid off, and her results are proof of that. As an association, we are incredibly proud of Swakhile, as well as Chad, for representing our country with pride and dedication. They are a testament to the quality and determination of our athletes, and we couldn’t be more pleased with their efforts,” she said.
Swakhile expressed her personal satisfaction with her performance and time, stating that she was happy with the result
“I’m thrilled with my performance and dropping over a second is a huge accomplishment for me. I am truly grateful to God for this achievement, as I believe that without His guidance and blessings, I wouldn’t have been able to reach this stage. I feel blessed and honoured to represent my country, and I will continue to work hard and give my best in future competitions,” she added.
Organised
The 2024 World Aquatics Championships serve as a qualifying event for the Olympic Games which is an international swimming and diving competition held in Doha, Qatar, from February 2 to February 18, 2024. This event is organised by the World Aquatics (formerly known as FINA) and features some of the world’s best swimmers, divers, synchronised swimmers, and water polo players.
The championships include a wide range of aquatic sports, such as swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, synchronized swimming, and water polo. It is considered one of the most prestigious international events in the aquatic sports calendar, and the competition serves as a qualifying event for the Olympic Games and other major international tournaments.
Many athletes from around the world participate in this event, representing their countries and aiming to achieve their best performance and win medals in their respective disciplines.
The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France, from July 26 - August 11, 2024.