Coaching standards and exposure will be key if Kenyan swimmers are to match their counterparts in international events.
Kenya swimming head coach William Malalo, who led the team to the Paris Olympics, said the swimming fraternity must go back to the drawing board if they are to win medals on the global stage.
" We must improve our coaching standards and our coaches need to go back to class to improve themselves and see what the rest of the world is doing. At the same time, exposure to international events consistently will be vital for the next Olympic cycle,” he added.
Team Kenya had entered two swimmers—Maria Brunlehner and Ridhwan Abubaker — at the Paris Olympics with both crashing out in the preliminary stages of their races.
Malalo, however, said the young swimmers have a bright future. "Our swimmers did their best but I believe with the coaching they are receiving with their respective bases, the next games will be appropriate for them to perform,” said Malalo.
He added, "With the right strategies and dedication, we can ensure Kenyan swimmers compete at the highest levels on the international stage through A and B times."
While in Paris, Malalo attended a training camp where he emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing and the impact it could have on Kenya's swimming community.
"I am more than ready to share with our local coaches the invaluable lessons and techniques I learned during my time in Paris. There is a significant amount of work to be done to elevate our swimming standards to match those of advanced countries. I am optimistic about our potential."
Elsewhere, Seahorses will field 30 swimmers for the Kenya Aquatics National Junior Swimming Championship this weekend in Eldoret. Head coach Peter Mwangangi said his swimmers are relishing the battle.
" I am happy my young swimmers will be competing against their more accomplished rivals including those from Tanzania and Uganda. It is also good to support our stakeholders from Uasin Gishu as they host the first-ever national event in their county," added Mwagangi
