by Twimepoki Mangani
Coach for the Malawi Swim team at the just ended Fukuok Aquatic Championships in Japan, Yona Walesi says a multi-sectional approach to improving swimming development in the country needs to be implemented following lackluster performances at the world Championship.
Malawi represented by Ammara Pinto (24) Tayamika Changa’namuno (19) Filipe Gomes (26) and Muhammad Ali Moosa (17) obtained a new national recorded in the 4 x 100 meters free style mixed relay with a time of 4:14:43 while no personal accolades were obtained.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Walesi said the national record is a result of the changes brought by World Aquatics and he looks forward to see when the next generation of swimmers will break it.
”I would say we did not fare well considering how we did previously, we had four swimmers two boys and two girls. One boy and girl didn’t do well in their participation while the other two improved slightly from their previous time.
“I think two of our swimmers have come of age since they are aged between 25-26 because the most productive age of swimming is 18-24 while the other two still have a chance to enhance their performance,” Walesi said.
Walesi further highlighted the need for developments from grass roots, participation growth while also expressing concern with the rate at which the sport is growing especially with lack of infrastructure and human resource.
“We need to start with monitoring performances at the national entry level, then to the regional as we progress to continental games,” he said.
General Secretary for Malawi Aquatic Union (MAU) Beatrice Makwenda sung praises towards the swimmers for showing strong commitment to the sport and providing encouragement to younger swimmers.
Makwenda added that they are hopeful that Government will complete the Aquatic centre since podium performance is a factor of many parameters including accessing to infrastructure.
“The Aquatic centre will offer access to young and upcoming swimmers and as per its design it is world class with heating facilities which will offer opportunities to train all year round,” Makwenda said.
The World Championships run from Mid-July to early August and Pinto was ranked 89/102 in women’s 100 meters (M) backstroke, Changa’namuno ranked 68/77 in 100 M women freestyle, Gomes ranked 90/115 in 100 M men freestyle and Moosa ranked 109/119 in men’s 50 M freestyle.
