Swimming

(At Enjabulweni Independent Schools)

MANZINI – In a spectacular showing at the 21^st Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming Championship, Eswatini’s own Hayley Hoy has captured the hearts of the nation, hauling in six medals and a potential E70 000 in government incentives.

The five-day competition, held on home soil, saw Hoy, nicknamed ‘Mshina’, deliver a performance worthy of her title as reigning Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

She finished her campaign with a gold medal in the 200m butterfly, clocking an impressive 2:32:02 to outshine Namibia’s Ariana Naukosho and Fatima Silva from Angola.

This victory was followed by a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley, which rounded off her tally.

Hoy’s medal collection also includes a gold in the 200m butterfly, a silver in the 100m breaststroke, and bronze medals in the 200m backstroke and 100m butterfly.

According to the government’s podium-finish policy, this translates into a significant financial reward: E20 000 for each gold, E10 000 for a silver and E5 000 for a bronze. Her combined prize money stands at a potential E70 000.

An elated Hoy spoke about her success, stating that winning on home ground made the medals ‘mean a lot.’ She acknowledged the tough competition, noting that her opponents had stepped up their game. She extended her congratulations to the entire Team Eswatini for their performance.

Full article available in our publication.

Hayley Hoy with her gold medal. (Pics: Nimrod Hlophe)