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There is a mismatch between his confidence and his age, one that confuses other swimmers. Although Andy Kodonde is only 11-years-old, his confidence is that of a four-time senior Olympic gold winner.

His walk and gait reveals his determination to concur the world, even at his young age.

After all, he recently smashed three records in a row, creating a buzz in town and making swimmers take a keen look at him.

Two weeks ago, at the Aga Khan Academy swimming pool, during the Mombasa County Swimming Association Junior Championship, he delivered one of his most iconic performances in his young career, elucidating the aura around him.

He shattered three breaststroke records, announcing himself to the world.

Swimming for the Mombasa Aquatic Club, Kodonde eclipsed the long-standing record in the 50 metres breaststroke set by Hakeem Kitendo in 2018, by more than 10 seconds, clocking an impressive 38.20 seconds.

He then powered through the 100m breaststroke in 1:23.35 minutes before completing his hat-trick with a dominant 3:07.22 minute finish in the 200m event.

He has now set his sight on the national stage in Nairobi.

“I believe breaking these records is just the beginning,” he told the Star on Thursday.

He said he has been working hard since he started swimming at the age of five.

He now wants to test himself at the national stage, which he said is a challenge that he has to surmount.

“I believe without these challenges, you can never improve. I use these challenges as my motivation to work even harder in order to try and achieve my dream of representing the country at the Olympics one day,” Kodonde said.

He said his family has been the pillar that props him and his best support system.

Jane Onyango, his mother, told the Star she is proud to watch another of her children creating sensations in the swimming world.

“It gives me pride,” she beams.

She said swimming has played a big role in shaping not only Kodonde but also her other children, even beyond the pool.

“Swimming has given them discipline, structure, and confidence. Andy’s success is just one example of what’s possible when kids are supported holistically,” Onyango said.

She said were it not for swimming, her daughter may never have been striding her way at Braeburn Swim Club.

“One of my daughters earned a scholarship through swimming at Braeburn Swim Club. That alone shows how powerful sports can be, not just for talent, but for education and life opportunities,” she said.

Kodonde’s emergence is not a fluke.

There is hard work, long hours of training and mentorship provided by veteran coach Abdulmalik Abubakar.

“We’ve built a culture of excellence,” Abubakar said.

“Our swimmers dominate a large share of national records, and Andy represents the next generation ready to take that even further,” he said.

The coach pointed to the club’s impressive legacy, which includes producing Olympians such as Emily Muteti, along with athletes who have competed on the global stage.

With upcoming international exposure at the CANA Zone Championships in Uganda, Kodonde could soon be representing Kenya beyond its borders.

However, Abubakar insists more investment is needed to unlock the region’s full potential.

“Facilities are critical,” he said.

“Mombasa needs an Olympic-standard pool. Talent is here, we just need the infrastructure,” he said.

There is currently no Olympic-size swimming in Mombasa and the only one that can be found is at the Kilifi International School in Mavueni, Kilifi county, more than 55km away.