20 Aug 2014

African Youth Games silver medalist, Naomi Ruele has set a new personal best in 100 metres backstroke in the ongoing Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

Despite failing to qualify for the semi-finals after finishing third in 105.2 seconds, she said it was her first time to compete in the 100 metres in a world event.

Ruele, 17, said she believed there was still room for improvement. “I was competing with swimmers who had an advantage over me because they are strong and very tall,” she said.  Naomi said she was fascinated by the swimming facilities.

However, Batswana still have to wait to see if the country could get a medal in swimming as Ruele was set to compete in her favourite race of 50 metres.

 “The 50 metres is my main event and I have prepared for it very well, so I hope I will do better and move to the semi-finals,” said Naomi. She did 30.18 seconds in 50 metres at the African Youth Games.  ENDS