Kenya’s Kamwelle Maina has shared her excitement ahead of making a debut at the Hamilton Aquatics Summer Sizzler Championships in Dubai from June 25 to 26.  

Kamwelle has been in superb form this season, winning several medals in local series that culminated in the national swimming championships in May. 

The Samaj School pupil who will be making her first trip outside the country is hoping to register some good times. 

“I love the water and I find swimming a relaxing sport,” said the 11-year-old. 

Kamwelle discovered her penchant for swimming when she was splashing about in a tiny pool at the age of three. She had to wait until the age of seven for her first gala competition. 

Her earning a berth for the trip to Dubai is partly due to the coronavirus pandemic that saw the previous two editions postponed. 

“Amazingly, I have achieved my goal and but again it is a bit scary that I am going by myself so it is a nice situation and a weird one at the same time,” said the last born in a family of three siblings. 

In Dubai, she wants to be recognized while also achieving good times. 

“Good times in Dubai will help me go for more competitions in South Africa and Cairo, and that will mean growth,” added the year five pupil who loves breaststroke and freestyle and a little bit of back and fly. 

Her elder sister Kagure who was in Lusaka, Zambia recently for CANA Zone IV Championships is her biggest source of inspiration and role model. 

“I look up to her because I get her a lot and she gets me so I want to develop and be like her,” she added. 

She has been entered in seven events in Dubai, 100m and 200m breaststroke events, 100m and 50m freestyle events, 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley. 

The youngester is among 14 swimmers that will be leaving for Dubai on Wednesday.  She will be accompanied by Saniyah Omoro, Arainana Warui, Nicole Ndirangu, Ivy Aseka, Malia Kemunto and Marine Kalomobo.