Liam a lone ranger at FINA championships

UNITED Kingdombased Liam Davis will be the country’s only representative at this year’s edition of the FINA World Swimming Championships, in Abu Dhabi.

The championships, which start today are scheduled to run until December 21.

The local swimming body had initially selected four representatives, but locally-based athletes could not travel due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Zimbabwe swimming chairperson Tracey Doorman said Davis would be the only athlete to represent the country at the international event, adding that she appreciates the frustration of other swimmers who could not attend.

“We wish Liam Davis all the best at the World Swimming championships in Abu Dhabi but of course appreciate how frustrated the other swimmers are who were not able to attend due to the current red listing of southern African countries.

“We had initially selected four players, but because of the red listing Liam will be our only representative as he is based in the United Kingdom,” she said.

Davis said he will be participating in 200 and 100m breaststroke events.

“As much as I hate this phrase, it’s very true. But I like to just trust the process and believe that when I get behind the block I have done all the work and preparation. In Abu Dhabi I will compete in 200m and breaststroke,” he said.

Doorman hailed the performance of local athletes at the recently held African Union Sports Council (Ausc) Region Five Games in Maseru, Lesotho.

The team won 26 medals at the games and in the process, set a new national record.

Teenage swimming sensation Donata Katai was part of the team and she won five gold medals.

“We are pleased with the team's performances under very difficult competition conditions. They have made us proud as a nation and this shows that we have gone a step forward in terms of our growth as a sport,” she said.

She said the association was working to promote the growth of the sport in remote areas through various “learn to swim” programmes.

“We have a very active learn to swim programme as water safety and prevention from drowning is the first priority,” she added.

At the Maseru games, Zimbabwe swimmers picked seven gold medals, 11 silver and eight bronze standing at second overall on the table behind South Africa, which scooped 52 medals.