Kenya has named a five-member swimming team for the African Youth Games, which begin Saturday in Luanda, Angola. They will be seeking qualification for the 2025 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Team leader Neo Olengo will compete in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle and 200m medley. His steady rise through national events has made him one of Kenya’s most promising young breaststrokers.
The team includes Macrine Kalombo, Aryan Joseph, Pendo Anampiu, Iqbal Bayusuf and Ruth Lindkvist.
Lindkvist takes on the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke and the 400m freestyle, while Kalombo competes in six freestyle and breaststroke events across the 50m, 100m and 200m distances.
Bayusuf has one of the busiest schedules, featuring in the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 200m medley.
In open water swimming, Anampiu and Joseph will race in the 5km event, underscoring Kenya’s growing investment in long-distance aquatic disciplines.
Speaking from Luanda, team manager Grace King’ori said the squad is upbeat and grateful for the full sponsorship from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and the government.
The 10-day Games feature 33 disciplines, including athletics, rowing, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, judo, karate-do, wrestling, swimming, tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, skateboarding and breakdance. Events will also take place in the cities of Benguela, Lubango, Huambo, Mocamedes and Caxito.
