Uganda Juniors hope for the best at FINA World Junior Championships
Aug 22, 2019
Coach Muzafar Muwanguzi said his team had trained hard and were looking forward to making a point in the championship that is a qualifier to the Olympics.
Ugandan junior swimmers Darren Ssamula, Kirabo Namutebi, and Adnan Kabuye are hoping for a successful outing as they make their debut in the 7th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary, August 20-25.
The trio set off for the 50m Long Course championship in high spirits and vowing not only to set new records but also qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
Despite finishing fourth in her 50m breaststroke heat, 0.68 microseconds behind the winner Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tina Tadic, Kirabo's 35.22 was a personal best over the distance.
She will now be hoping to make similar strides in the 50 and 100m freestyle as well as in the 50m butterfly which are the other races she is entered in.
"I'm happy to represent the country but nervous for the moment because it is one of the biggest events I've been to. I hope to go there and set new records, make the finals and God willing win a medal," Kirabo said before traveling for the championship.
Kabuye, 17 and Ssamula, 14 also have races in the 50m breast, 50m&100m freestyle as well the 50m and 100 butterfly and 100m freestyle races respectively.
"This is my first time but I'm really excited to represent the country. I hope I can go there and make personal bests, break national records and maybe win some medals as well," Kabuye said before he left.
Coach Muzafar Muwanguzi said his team had trained hard and were looking forward to making a point in the championship that is a qualifier to the Olympics.
USF president Donald Rukare urged the Team to give it their very best and to make Uganda proud, noting that the 3 swimmers were privileged to be representing the Country at the world stage.
Race time made in Hungary
Tuesday: 50m Breast
Kirabo Namutebi (35.22)
Wednesday: 100m Freestyle
Kirabo Namutebi (1:01.39)
Wednesday: 100m Fly
Darren Ssamula (1:07.88)