ACCRA -Swimmer Gloria Muzito has won Uganda’s first medal at the ongoing African Games in Accra with an impressive show in the women’s 100m freestyle.

She finished third in the final in 56.01 seconds, a new national record, behind Hassan Faridah from Egypt who posted 55.62 in second place and South African Ann Gaitlin clinched gold with 55.53.

Muzito believes she gave it her best to emerge with a medal against stern competition.

“I had a slow beginning off the blocks in lane three, recovered in the next 25 meters finishing third, and this showed how competitive the final was but I’m grateful that I managed to clinch bronze,” Muzito noted after being awarded her medal at the Aquatics Centre at Bortyman Sports Complex in Accra on Saturday night.

The first 50m were a nightmare for Muzito but she pulled back in the final 50m after getting a better kick to propel her into third place.

The 100m freestyle race final had eight swimmers who had gradually progressed from the preliminary stages held on Saturday.

“I thank my coaching team who have enabled me to win Uganda’s first medal at the games, it has not been easy coupled with a lot of hard work and determination to achieve this,” she said.

Meanwhile, in the men’s freestyle race, Jimme Clayton won gold to complete South Africa’s double gold in the event.

Uganda finished sixth with a time of 3:47:37 in the 4x100m freestyle relay final, which South Africa won with 3:34:41, Egypt scooped silver (3:37:01 while Algeria settled for bronze with 3:40:45.

Uganda in the last edition held in Morocco won 10 medals with two silver medals and eight bronze