Kenya stages historic Africa Open Water Swimming Champs

The three-day event, held from October 21 to 23 at Early Bird Beach, Cocoa Luxury Resort, attracted nine African nations and 85 elite swimmers, setting a new bar for continental competition.

Participating countries included Kenya, Angola, Egypt, Guinea, Mauritius, Senegal, Republic of South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In the overall standings, South Africa and Egypt reaffirmed their continental dominance, trading victories in different categories.

In the senior overall results, South Africa topped the standings on 144 points followed by Egypt with 86 points while Kenya rounded up the podium with 33 points.

Egypt reigned supreme in the junior category on 140 points followed by South Africa while Mauritius completed the podium with Kenya placing fourth.

In the relay events, South Africa clinched Gold in the Junior 4km relay, while Egypt took Gold in the Senior 4km relay.

Kenya battled strongly to secure bronze in both categories, earning applause from the home crowd.

In the Junior Boys 14–15 years (5KM), Egypt’s Moaz Hassan Bastawy triumphed in 1:05.12, followed closely by South Africa’s Kellan Jones (1:06.40) and Owen Joubert (1:12.07).

In the Junior Girls 16–17 years, Egypt’s Arwa Faai Al Sharief struck gold with a time of 1:11.33, while Kiaria Banks of South Africa (1:15.02) and Rhanya Santos of Angola (1:26.21) completed the podium.

In the Senior Women’s 19 years and over, Liotter Camar Gallan of South Africa claimed the title in 1:08.45, followed by teammate De Jager Amica (1:09.53) and Ahmed Elagaty Zeina of Egypt (1:15.01).

Kenya’s pride was carried high by Mohammed Hamza (Bandari Swim Club) in the junior category, alongside senior swimmers Bachelani Samir and Suleiman Mohammed, both from Bandari, and Victoria Okumu from Braeburn School.

While the local swimmers narrowly missed the podium, their courage, resilience, and exposure on home waters were widely praised as a huge step forward for the country’s open water ambitions.

South Africa’s Sienna Gous, winner of the 5KM girls’ race (14–15 years), expressed joy after her stunning victory.

“I’ve been training 14 to 16 hours a week and hitting the gym twice weekly. Winning here in Kenya is a dream come true,” she said with a smile.

Sienna has previously represented South Africa at the Junior World Cup in Italy (2025) and the Africa Championship in Namibia (2025). Her eyes are now set on the 2026 African Championships — and ultimately, Olympic gold in 2032.

South Africa’s head coach Adrian Goate lauded his swimmers’ consistency but acknowledged Egypt’s growing edge.

“The Egyptians are doing well because of their regular exposure to European competitions,” said Goate.

“For Africa to grow in this sport, we must invest in structured training, personal nutritionists, and make use of our natural water bodies, rivers, dams, and oceans under qualified coaching.”

Coach Goate is a World Aquatics Level 2 Accredited Coach, holds a Diploma in Sports Science (University of Johannesburg), and a Degree in Business Administration (Damlin Institute). He is also a Level 3 South Africa Aquatics Coach and ASCA Level 5 Graduate Coach.

Through “Rural Splash,” a program by South Africa Aquatics, the country sponsors professional coaches to train young swimmers in rural areas using available natural water bodies — an initiative now being hailed as a model for Africa.

The champion’s journey

Egyptian sensation Mohamed Adel Moselhy was the undisputed star of the championship, bagging two gold medals in the 5KM and 3KM senior races.

“It was a tough race, but I’m proud of my performance. Preparation is everything — both mentally and physically,” said the 24-year-old champion.

Moselhy trains with Al Ahly Sports Club, where he receives professional coaching, international exposure, and a monthly stipend.

He also enjoys state support from the Egyptian Ministry of Sports and Egyptian Aquatics Federation, which provide training gear and competition allowances.

A Law graduate from Ain Shams University, Moselhy began swimming at age 4 and competing at 12. He trains twice daily — from 5:00 AM to 6:45 AM and 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM — swimming over 60KM weekly.

His short-term goal is to rank among the Top 8 at the 2027 World Championships in Hungary, and his long-term ambition is to become an Olympic medalist at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“Swimming is an expensive sport,” Moselhy concluded. “We need clubs, sponsors, and organizations to help talented young swimmers chase their dreams.”