14-year-old swimmer wins 2 gold medals at Cana Zone VI
A 14-year-old swimmer Luka Chimwemwe Smit underlined his growing reputation when he won two gold medals during the Cana Zone IV Championships in Luanda, Angola.
Smit made the country proud after winning gold medals in 50m and 100m freestyle events during the four-day championship that ended on Saturday.
Malawi Aquatic Union (Mau) General Secretary Beatrice Makwenda said it was a successful trip as three swimmers also broke national records.
“It is quite motivating as five national records were broken in 100m breaststroke, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 100mfreestyle and 4×50 freestyle relay,” she said in reference to Tasunje Mkavea, Jeremiah Makwenda and Luka Smit.
The Mau GS said the body has been inspired to continue with its development programme.
“This performance is an encouragement to both the swimmers, Mau and Malawi as we move towards providing impactful support to develop the swimming sport by pooling public and private investments towards infrastructure development, long term high performance, talent identification and nurturing,” she said.
Makwenda paid tribute to stakeholders who supported the body to send the team to Angola.
“The Thom and Barbra Mpinganjira Foundation sponsored the team with K12.5 million and Mau is grateful for this financial assistance.
“Mau appreciates the support from swimming families, the coaches and the goodwill from the government towards further developing the sport,” she said.
Malawi National Council of Sports Public Relations and Communications Officer Edgar Ntulumbwa said they are happy with the team’s exploits.
“They made the nation proud and this shows that Malawi has a lot of talented youngsters who need to be nurtured,” he said.
The squad was selected during the national championships.
The Cana Zone IV Swimming Championships is an annual swimming competition involving 14 member countries.
The event involves athletes under 12 years to over 17-24.
