(At Enjabulweni Independent Schools)
MANZINI – In a spectacular showing at the 21st Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming Championship, Eswatini’s own Hayley Hoy has captured the hearts of the nation, hauling in six medals and a potential E70 000 in government incentives.
The five-day competition, held on home soil, saw Hoy, nicknamed ‘Mshina’, deliver a performance worthy of her title as reigning Junior Sportswoman of the Year.
She finished her campaign with a gold medal in the 200m butterfly, clocking an impressive 2:32:02 to outshine Namibia’s Ariana Naukosho and Fatima Silva from Angola.
This victory was followed by a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley, which rounded off her tally.
Hoy’s medal collection also includes a gold in the 200m butterfly, a silver in the 100m breaststroke, and bronze medals in the 200m backstroke and 100m butterfly.
According to the government’s podium-finish policy, this translates into a significant financial reward: E20 000 for each gold, E10 000 for a silver and E5 000 for a bronze. Her combined prize money stands at a potential E70 000.
An elated Hoy spoke about her success, stating that winning on home ground made the medals ‘mean a lot.’ She acknowledged the tough competition, noting that her opponents had stepped up their game. She extended her congratulations to the entire Team Eswatini for their performance.
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