The curtain rose on the Fast and Furious Dolphins Swimming Gala with a thunderous splash, as Day 1 turned into a showcase of youthful brilliance and historic performances. In a single day, swimmers rewrote the record books eight times, underscoring not only the depth of talent in Ugandan swimming but also the motivational power of innovation—this year marked the introduction of cash prizes for winners, a move that athletes say has given them a fresh competitive edge.
Kaweesa Jonathan: A Rising Star in Command
Leading the charge was Kaweesa Jonathan of Torpedoes Swimming Club, whose dominance in the 13–14 age group lit up the pool. Kaweesa smashed three records in a single outing, beginning with the 50m breaststroke (33.42), eclipsing Adnan Kabuye’s previous 34.24. He went on to reset the bars in both the 50m backstroke and the 100m Individual Medley, confirming his status as the day’s standout performer.
Reflecting on his performance, Kaweesa showed both humility and hunger:
“I feel good for I joined the race and I feel I can do better next time, breaking more records.”
Mukalazi and Peyton Showcase Senior Prowess
The older categories delivered equal fireworks. Tendo Mukalazi was simply untouchable in the under-15 and over group, erasing two long-standing records with masterful swims in the 50m backstroke (29.77) and the 100m Individual Medley (59.00).
On the women’s side, Ssuubi Peyton delivered a memorable birthday gift to herself and Ugandan swimming alike, setting a new 50m backstroke record (33.64). Peyton credited the cash prizes as a key motivator, noting:
“I have liked this Gala so much because of the cash prizes put, I feel motivated and I encourage Uganda Aquatic to do the same thing just as Dolphin is doing. Imagine winning a prize on the day I am born—this means a double blessing to me.”
Youngest Competitors Make Waves
The youngest age groups proved that talent knows no age limit. Muttamba Abigail (6–8) stunned with a new 25m backstroke record (19.33), while Elisha Rukundo, also in the same category, wowed spectators by rewriting the 100m Individual Medley record (1:32).
A New Era of Incentivized Competition
What set this year apart was not just the speed in the water but also the shift in competitive culture. By rewarding excellence with tangible prizes, the Dolphins Gala has sparked a conversation about how financial incentives can elevate performance and inspire swimmers to dream bigger. The electric atmosphere at the poolside was a testament to this synergy of talent and motivation.
Looking Ahead
With Day 1 setting a record-breaking tone, anticipation now swells for Day 2. Will more young stars rise? Will seasoned competitors extend their dominance? One thing is clear: Ugandan swimming is experiencing a wave of transformation, powered by raw talent, innovation, and the sheer will to win.
