04 Dec 2024

Three swimmers will represent Botswana at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships 2024, which will be held in Budapest, Hungary, from December 10-16. 

The  tried and tested swimmers are Andile Bekker, Yun-Suh Chang and Andrian Robinson. 

The Botswana Swimming Sports Association (BSSA) spokesperson, Gwendolyn Harry said in an interview that they have not set any targets.

She added that competitive swimmers are passionate and have their own ambitious goals, which usually always include making a personal best time and ultimately making finals. 

The spokesperson further said the most important thing is that Botswana would be represented at the international swimming stage. 

Harry said the swimmers have trained hard and expectations are that they would do their best at the championships. 

“As you are aware, Adrian has already competed on the Olympic stage; Andile has previously competed at the intercontinental level so these two young competent athletes are aware of what to expect. This will be Yun-Suh’s first intercontinental gala at this level. She has earned the opportunity through hard work and dedication and she is ready to engage,” she said. 

Harry said it was important for the athletes to have exposure at this level, and if they were to go further, a lot of knowledge and experience would be gained from such a competition.

“It’s also important for all of Botswana’s younger athletes to see the top athletes representing at this level, and recognise the opportunities, so that they can have the faith that they can turn their own goals and dreams into a reality,” she said.

 In terms of long-term success prospects with the team, she said the vision of BSSA is the athlete’s possible success.

 Harry said the team is young and BSSA is focusing  on long-term development, adding that as an association, they are happy that they have good sponsors to back the athletes.

 “They are assisting to equip the athletes with more opportunities, to develop physical and mental form and guidance in nutrition, goal making and resilience," she noted. 

Harry said with the guidance, exposure and opportunity, their young swimmers are set to strive for much higher goals in the future. Ends