Young swimmer Mose eyeing strong debut in Youth Commonwealth Games

With the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 Opening ceremony done, and set to kick off on Saturday 5 August, the Kenyan duo of Sarah Mose and Aker Mutinda is eyeing nothing short of a podium victory in Trinidad and Tobago.

The two will be participating in the swimming competitions, set to involve events such as; 50m free, 50m fly, 50m breaststroke 50m backstroke 100m breaststroke.

Mose, a 17-year-old based in Poland, was the first Kenyan athlete to arrive in Trinidad where she has had three training sessions already.

Making her international debut, she is confident that she is equal to the task to go against the likes of Australia, England, Wales and hosts Trinidad and Tobago swimmers.

“Everything is good for me here and I'm prepared enough to face the competition ahead,” Mose said. “The weather is good and the pool is cool as well so I am looking to do well and probably get a medal for the team.

“I am happy to compete for my country. I know my training so that's what I have focused on here, just working on my speed and everything will turn out well."

Joining her and Mutinda will be their coach Lydia Musei.

She however admits feeling nervous, especially being in a new environment.

Kenyan athletes land in Trinidad and Tobago for seventh Commonwealth Youth Games

"I am excited and a bit nervous as well because everything here is new for me so I have just been observing a lot as well and adjusted things here and there so I believe everything is working for my good."

On Friday, the first batch of the team representing Kenya arrived in Trinidad and Tobago after having a two-week residential training camp where cycling, girls’ rugby, para athletics and athletics teams trained at Kasarani Stadium while the beach volleyball, triathlon and swimming counterparts were based in Kilifi.

The multi-sport event, now in its seventh edition, will see under-18 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories compete for medals in seven sporting disciplines - athletics, beach volleyball, cycling, netball fast 5, rugby sevens, swimming and triathlon.