Records tumble at the Dolphins Fast and Furious Swimming Gala

The seventh edition of the Fast and Furious Dolphins Swimming Gala concluded on Sunday, with various swimmers setting new records eight times, illustrating Ugandan swimming's rising depth of expertise.

Tendo Mukalazi, Mary Peyton Suubi, Jonathan Kaweesa, Abigael Keza Muttamba, and Elisha Rukundo all stood out in an exhilarating exhibition of ability, walking away with cash prizes introduced at this year's event.

Torpedoes’ Kaweesa, in the 13-14 years category, re-wrote three records, starting with Dolphins’ Paulsen Ssetumba’s 1:08.00 in the 100m Individual Medley, which he set at 1:04.00. He also eclipsed Adnan Kabuye’s previous 34.24 in the 50m breaststroke and 30.44 in the 50m backstroke, making 33.42 and 29.52 in the two races, respectively.

Peyton Mary Suubi in action. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

On his part, Aqua Akii Mukalazi’s 27.62 in the 50m backstroke and 59.28 in the 100m IM are now the new meet records, surpassing Kabuye’s previous one of 28.76 and Atuhaire Ambala’s 1:01.77, just like Jaguars’ Peyton Suubi’s 33.64, which is three microseconds better than Seals’ Daya Mpeera’s previous one (33.67) in the girls’ 15&over.

Altona’s Elisha Rukundo and Sailfish’s Abigael Muttamba in the 6-8 years category also set new records in the 100m IM (1:32.33) and the 25m backstroke (19.33), surpassing the previous records of 1:35.40 and 19.75 by Dolphins’ Ethan Ssengooba and Aqua Akii’s Adams Aya, respectively. But over 40 records remained standing in this annual championship annual event that offers an opportunity for swimmers to gauge themselves in a competitive environment.

Outside the record-breaking spree Muttamba also walked away with the individual award in her category with 97 points ahead of Silverfin’s Josephine Wanyana (82pts) and Twinbrook Elementary School’s Lilliana Ssenoga (65). Rukundo also finished top in the same category with 92 points ahead of Silverfin Academy’s Mathew Tendo (84) and Tumaini Aquatic’s Jayden Kibwami (78).

The 9-10 years category was topped by Sailfish’s Audrey Nyonyintono who amassed 87 points ahead of Sailfish’s Denorah Natabi (82) and Aqua Akii’s Adams Aya (81). Jaguars Ashley Kimuli and Austin Wanyama with 79 and 73 points and Aqua Akii’s Tzion Tamale (76) were the top three in the same category.

Otters’ Nisha Pearl Najjuma, Aquatic Academy’s Mushira Nabatanzi and Dolphins’ Jinan Nakato were the top swimmers in the 11-12 years category just like Silverfin Academy’s Khristian Bwisho Mugumya, Torpedoes Elijah Ayesiga and Otters Shane Mugenyi who collected 94, 90 and 76 points respectively.

Jaguar Swim Club’s Mary Peyto Suubi remains the best in the 15&over having finished with 100 points ahead of Sailfish’s Karen Mwangi and another Jaguar Brandy Nakimbugwe (76pts). Dolphins’ Pendo Kaumi and Aqua Akii’s Tendo Mukalazi and Silverfin’s Larry Graig Feni will be the swimmers to displace at next year’s edition having finished top with 80 points apiece and 70 points respectively.

Several swimmers recorded personal bests from different events in the two-day event that attracted 600 swimmers from 30 clubs.