Times Of Swaziland: SWIMMER SIWAKHILE OFF TO AUSTRALIA

SWIMMER SIWAKHILE OFF TO AUSTRALIA
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Mengameli Mabuza on 12/11/2024 08:28:00


MBABANE – Eswatini’s swimming rising star Siwakhile Dlamini has been awarded
a prestigious World Aquatics scholarship, enabling her to train for a year in
Bond, Australia.
The news was announced in a press release by the Eswatini Swimming Association
(ESA), yesterday morning. “The Eswatini Swimming Association is thrilled to
announce that Siwakhile Dlamini has been granted a World Aquatics Scholarship to
train at a facility in Bond, Australia, for the next year. Dlamini departed
yesterday morning and will be based in Australia for this period. We wish her
every success. Siwakhile, carry the Eswatini flag high and make us proud,” the
statement conveyed.
Expressing her excitement, Dlamini described this opportunity as a rare jewel in
her swimming journey. “I am immensely thankful to God for this incredible
chance. I am committed to working hard and doing everything within my power to
reach my goals. I look forward to learning new techniques and creating
unforgettable memories during my time in Australia. While I am filled with
anticipation, I must admit I’m also a bit nervous, as I embark on this new
adventure,” she remarked.
Pride
ESA Secretary General Nozipho Mahlalela shared her pride in Dlamini’s
achievement, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the
association. “We are elated to see one of our athletes, Siwakhile Dlamini,
reach such a remarkable achievement. This exemplifies the spirit of sport and
the potential that stems from dedication and hard work. We are confident that
this opportunity will elevate her career. Siwakhile is a passionate and
determined swimmer, and we believe she will seize this chance to reach new
heights,” Mahlalela stated.
Mahlalela further noted that Dlamini’s success heralds the beginning of more
opportunities for the Eswatini swimming community. She expressed optimism that,
with continued perseverance, other ESA athletes will also secure scholarships
and opportunities to represent Eswatini on the global stage. Notably, Australia
is often referred to as the ‘Swimming Nation’. This is another country with
a rich history of Olympic swimming success. With its warm climate and numerous
outdoor pools, swimming is a way of life for many Australians.
Last year, the talented swimmer was awarded a World Aquatics scholarship to
study and train in Phuket, Thailand, marking another significant milestone in
her burgeoning career.