25 Jul 2023

Botswana Swimming Sports Association (BSSA) has sent two swimmers to the ongoing World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

The two are Adrian Robinson and Maxine Egner. Robinson has already competed in the 100m and 50m breaststroke, clocking 1:03:79 and 28.67 respectively. 

He was ranked 37th out of 59 swimmers in 50m.

“Though he did not advance to any semi-finals, we are happy with the performance he has put in, considering the calibre of swimming that he was exposed to,” said BSSA’s public relations officer, Gwendolen Harry. Egner, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, swimmer will start her competition on Thursday with 100m freestyle, and will compete in the 50m freestyle on Saturday. 

Harry said Egner had a good training block and had been tapering leading up to the World Championships. She said the association’s expectation of the duo was that they would do their best in different competitions and clock improved times, adding that the goal was also to eventually achieve an Olympic B qualifying time. She explained that the main reason for sending the swimmers to the World Aquatics Championships was to expose them to high competition.  

She said although Robinson did not clock a personal best time in the two events he featured in, they were happy that he had improved on his times.

“We appreciate and understand that they are up against seasoned swimmers, but if they can make it to the semi-finals in some of the events, we will be happy,” she said. 

The championships started on Sunday, and ends on July 30. ENDS