Thika's Jayden targets dominant display at Kiambu Aquatics Inter-Club Swimming Championship

Nygel Jayden in action during a past championship/HANDOUT

National swimmer Nygel Jayden of Thika Swim Academy targets a dominant performance at the Kiambu Aquatics Inter-Club Swimming Championships set for this weekend at Juja St. Peter’s School.

Jayden,  formerly of Bandari Swim Club in Mombasa, joined Thika Swim after relocating to Nairobi.

"I have been training hard under coach Charles Nyasae, with five sessions a week. My goal is to lower my times and qualify for the Kenya Aquatics National Long Course Swimming Championship next month at Kasarani. I also hope to earn selection to the national team for the 11th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship in October in Kampala,” he said.

The 11-year-old will compete in the 100m, 200m and 400m individual medleys, 100m and 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke.

Jayden competed in the 200m backstroke at the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship in Kasarani. He earned a government allowance of Sh 56,000 which he used to purchase equipment and swimwear.

The weekend meet marks Jayden's first outing for the four-month Thika club, who train at the ACK Thika Memorial Church School six days a week.

"I am pleased with the progress so far. I am still settling back home after spending over 25 years in the United States in competitive swimming. My last role was coaching at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club in Maryland," said Nyasae.

"My focus is to raise the profile of swimming in Kenya and develop world-class swimmers capable of achieving Olympic and World Aquatics qualifying standards. Coaching is driven by science, and that is what I am applying here, alongside mentoring other coaches.” 

Torpedo, Aqua Fin Shark, Orca, Braeburn, Snook, Water Warriors, Genesis Sports Limited, Nawiri, Goldfish and Dashing Dolphins are among the clubs expected at the weekend championship.