SIMANGA WHIRLS TO TOP IN KPMG CHALLENGE

(At Luphohlo Dam)

MBABANE – Swimmer Simanga Dlamini is proving why he is counted among the best swimmers in the country.

The seasoned swimmer has whirled to the top to win the 3km swim during the KPMG Open Water Challenge at Luphohlo Dam yesterday. He finished first after 48:08 minutes, becoming the first winner of the newly-introduced event. The 23-year-old finished ahead of veteran swimmer and coach Chris Stapley, who was second after 49:38 minutes. Jay Azran was third after 55:04 minutes.

“I believe I could have done better if I had a string challenge. This being the first 3km race and I believe that next year we will be working on improving the time. The water was cool and I was a little bit scared leading the way but I’m happy that I won,” he said.

Dlamini is among the country’s athletes who are hoping to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in July and August as he has spent much time training outside the country. He was the senior best male swimmers in the past season 2018/ 19.

Meanwhile, Robyn Young did not disappoint as she was the best lady on the day, finishing first among the ladies in 51:23 minutes and second was Senamile Dlamini in 56:00. Young was awarded female swimmer of the year and she swam at South Africa level III and she broke records and represented Eswatini at international competitions.

There were seven swimmers who competed in the 3km swim with four being ladies and three men. Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) President Berger Nxumalo said all went well on the day but they had a challenge of improving the numbers. The 3km was held together with the one mile (1.6km) swim.

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