Namibia’s 15-year-old Keila de Oliveira will make her debut at the 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships, scheduled to take place from 21 to 27 September in Singapore.

The championships, organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), are being held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre within the Singapore Sports Hub, marking the first time the swimming world event is being staged in Asia.

Speaking to Nampa on Wednesday, De Oliveira’s coach, Diego Kahlari, described her journey as both inspiring and challenging, while praising her commitment and discipline in preparation for the event.

“She has been training hard, with specific programmes designed to improve her endurance, strength, and technique. De Oliveira is still young; her determination has been remarkable, and she consistently demonstrates great resilience in every training session,” he said.

Kahlari highlighted De Oliveira’s humble beginnings and the importance of discipline as a key to a successful future.

“At this stage, it’s not about Los Angeles 2028 or any specific event, but about the journey itself. Our priority is to help her master the art of discipline, as this will take her much further in the long run,” he said, noting that setbacks have been turned into opportunities to build her mental strength.

The coach further emphasised that De Oliveira’s appearance on the world stage is not only a milestone for her but also for Namibian swimming as a whole.

“Her success shows what is possible through dedication and hard work. Her participation at the World Championships will inspire her peers and prove that international competition is within reach for Namibian athletes,” Kahlari said.

He added that preparations for what is only her second international competition have been meticulous, with personal goals centred on performance, learning, and enjoying the sport.

“We aim to develop disciplined, confident, and resilient swimmers who can proudly represent Namibia. We are excited to see Keila (De Oliveira) compete for the Namibia Paralympic Committee, Infinity Aquatic Centre, and her country on the international stage, and we are confident she will leave a positive impression both in and out of the pool,” he said.

De Oliveira is scheduled to compete on Saturday, 27 September 2025, in heat one of the S9 50-metre freestyle. 

– Nampa