Kenyan swimmer Neo Olengo, who relocated to South Africa last year, is ambitiously aiming to represent Kenya at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The teenage athlete recently showcased his talent at the South African Schools Swimming Championship, where he emerged victorious in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 31.28 seconds.
Olengo credits his move to South Africa for the significant progress in his swimming career. “I still have two years to sharpen myself with the help of my coaches. With the facilities here in South Africa, I believe I can make it to the Olympics in three years,” he said confidently.
Currently a student at Tuks High School in Pretoria, Olengo highlighted the competitive environment as a major factor in his development. “The level of competition here is very high, and I have to be at my best, competing against some of South Africa’s top junior swimmers. This has pushed me to improve both my times and technique,” he explained.
Olengo also expressed hope that more Kenyan swimmers would have the chance to train in high-performance settings abroad. “Exposure to advanced training environments in South Africa or Europe is crucial if our swimmers want to match the best internationally. I would love to see more of my peers get these opportunities,” he added.
Peter Mwangangi, coach at Seahorses Club and Olengo’s early mentor, praised the efforts by the Kenyan swimming federation to nurture young talent. “The federation is establishing robust programs to identify and develop the next generation of swimmers who will bring us international success in the coming years,” Mwangangi said.
In related news, seven schools and clubs have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Age Group Invitational Championship scheduled for June 14 at the Oasis Garden Resort in Embu. The participating institutions include Braeburn, St Christopher School Nanyuki, Mt Kenya Academy, Millbrook, Joyful Embu Meru Aquatics, Highland, Ripples International School, and St Petro Genesis Sports Limited.
Additionally, the Kiambu Aquatics Minnows Championship will take place on the same day at Potterhouse School in Runda, attracting young swimmers from counties including Kiambu, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kajiado.
