By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) is jubilant in celebrating Damien De Sousa for breaking a new swimming record.
He recorded an impressive time of 30.84 seconds in the male 50m breaststroke for the 15-17 age group during the Golfino Sprint Gala held in Maputo, Mozambique, last weekend. The previous record, set by Chadd Ning at 31.26 seconds in May, has now been eclipsed.
“Congratulations to Damien De Sousa on his spectacular performance at the Golfino Sprint Gala over the weekend. What a remarkable way to commence the season! We eagerly anticipate further records in the 2024/25 seasons,” stated the ESA in an official announcement.
Also extending their congratulations to De Sousa was his team, Swim Lab. “Woop woop, it’s a record! Congratulations to Damien Papito De Sousa for this outstanding achievement. This is merely the beginning; more accolades are on the horizon. Swim Lab is immensely proud of you,” proclaimed Swim Lab Club.
De Sousa ranks among the elite swimmers in the nation, having represented Eswatini in various international competitions with commendable success.
During the event in Mozambique, he secured four gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, and 100m breaststroke.
Additionally, he was part of the Boys 15-17 years freestyle relay team that clinched a silver medal, finishing in second place alongside teammates Dante Lotter, Luca Fraser, and Tiano Fraser.
In a remarkable display of talent, Luca Fraser also shattered competition records in the 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, and 200m individual medley, while De Sousa set new benchmarks in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke events.
