Day one of the Silverfin Pentathlon at Kampala International School Uganda delivered exactly what age-group swimming is all about fast races, breakthrough performances, loud celebrations, and an electric atmosphere as Uganda’s youngest swimmers took centre stage.
Saturday’s action belonged entirely to the 12-and-under swimmers, with hundreds of young athletes diving into competition across butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and other pentathlon events, showcasing both skill and determination in a packed day of racing.
From the first whistle to the final race, the KISU pool deck was buzzing with energy as parents, coaches, teammates and friends filled the stands, cheering loudly, waving, chanting names, and creating a festival-like atmosphere that pushed swimmers to give their very best.
The youngest competitors in the 6-8 age group produced some of the most heartwarming and exciting moments of the day. In the girls’ 25m butterfly, Raellah Akantorana of Swimming Angels stormed to victory in 19.32 seconds, while Aiden Corey Mwasame of Altona claimed the boys’ title in 18.39 seconds.
In backstroke, Alma Kirabo of Sailfish Swim Club Kampala impressed with victory in the girls’ race in 21.57 seconds, while Jaguar Swim Club swimmer Harvey Ssengendo touched first in the boys’ event in 19.91 seconds.
The breaststroke races also delivered standout moments, with Alma Kakaire of Tumaini Aquatic Academy winning the girls’ event in 22.63 seconds, while several young swimmers continued to show remarkable improvement throughout the day.
The 9-10 age category raised the competition level even higher; Blue Whales Aquatic Venture swimmer Aya Adams dominated the girls’ events, winning both the 50m butterfly (34.02) and 50m backstroke (37.08) to emerge as one of the biggest stars of the day.
In the boys’ races, Aqua Akii Swim Club had a strong showing through Tzion Tamale, who won the 50m butterfly in 36.29, while teammate Kyle Asiimwe shared top honours in the 50m backstroke after tying with Ozpreys Swim Club swimmer Geremiah Opolot, with both clocking 40.88 seconds.
The 11-12 swimmers also produced some of the fastest times of the day. Altona star Liora Kengonzi Lumu was in sensational form, sweeping both the girls’ butterfly and backstroke events. She won the 50m butterfly in 34.15 seconds before returning to claim the 50m backstroke title in 36.89 seconds, cementing herself as one of day one’s standout performers.
On the boys’ side, Shane Mugenyi of Otters Swim Club Uganda delivered one of the most dominant performances of the meet so far, winning both the 50m butterfly (29.76) and 50m backstroke (34.94) in commanding fashion.
The competition also welcomed regional participation, with Mako Sharks Swim Club, a visiting club from Rwanda, adding an exciting international touch to the event. Their swimmers put in spirited performances and added to the growing East African flavour of the competition.
Beyond the medals and podium finishes, day one was a celebration of youth swimming, with standout performances, emotional finishes, nervous first races, and unforgettable moments shared between swimmers and their families.
And the excitement is far from over; Action continues tomorrow for the final day of the Silverfin Pentathlon, with the 13-and-over swimmers set to take to the pool as the competition reaches its thrilling conclusion.