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Young swimming prodigy steals show at Nairobi Level One Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 12.10.25. | 21:07
The seven-year-old broke meet records in the butterfly and freestyle events
Seven -year-old swimming prodigy Adia Mwende was the talk of town after delivering an emphatic performance at the Nairobi County Swimming Association Level One Championships held at Kiota School over the weekend.
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Mwende, representing Genesis Sports, bagged gold medals in all her individual events in the 11 years and Under competition, which attracted a host of schools including defending champions Braeburn, Kenton College, The Banda School, St. Austin's Academy, and Brookhouse.
The student at Highland Group of Schools in Meru got her star show underway with a win in the seven years and under 25m breaststroke, timing 28.80 seconds ahead of Anthony Kamande and Maria Ajiambo, before dominating once more in the backstroke (25.23 seconds), butterfly (22.14 seconds) and freestyle events (19.29 seconds), setting meet and personal records along the way.
In addition to her four gold medals, the youngster also competed in the 100-meter individual medley for the seven and under category, winning in 1 minute 56.17 seconds.
To add to the glamour, Mwende triumphed once again in the 50-meter freestyle, timing 43.04 seconds.
"I am so happy to win all the four medals," an elated Mwende said after her successful day in the pool. "I feel good I improved my time, and broke a record in butterfly and freestyle."
With many taking notice of her for the first time, coach Alex Kaindi - who trains Mwende in school - expressed pride in seeing her student keep up her already inspiring career path.
"We spotted her talent when she was just four years old during the PIPSSA Kenya Gala in Nanyuki," Kaindi, who takes Mwende through five swimming sessions a week, said.
"Since then, we have placed her on a pathway of swimming excellence. Our dream is to see her reach the Olympics and achieve ‘A’ times. With her commitment and the support from her parents, that goal is very possible."
Nairobi County Swimming Association Chairperson, Teddy Wamunyu, was also not left behind in showering Mwende with praise, hailing her as the next star in the sport.
"Adia is a jewel in swimming and has an incredible future ahead of her," Wamunyu said. "As Nairobi County, we are ready to work with all stakeholders across the country to develop the best swimmers Kenya can produce. Kudos to Adia’s coaches and parents. This is extraordinary. It is the first time we have seen a swimmer from a rural background dominate at this level.”
Those familiar to Mwende describe her as an active young girl outside the sport, who also enjoys other sports, adding balance and fun to her growing swimming journey.
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