The Namibia Podium Performance Programme (PPP), in collaboration with the Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation (NASFED) and the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC), has sent a national swim team to the 17th African Swimming Championships, taking place in Oran, Algeria, from 5 to 10 May.
The PPP is an initiative of the ministry of sport and the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) aimed at elevating the country’s performance on the global stage.
The programme targets 117 elite athletes across 13 sporting codes, with a focus on strengthening performances ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and other major international competitions.
This year’s championships are expected to attract over 400 swimmers from 41 countries, and a new inter-zonal event will be introduced, where selected athletes will represent Africa’s four aquatic zones (I–IV) in pursuit of the inaugural “Zone Champion” title on the final day.
The Namibian team comprises Luke Beukes, Nathan Bock, Jose Canjulo, Lorenzo Esterhuizen, Victoria De Sousa, Lilia Ellis, Roselinda Matyayi, Trisha Mutumbula, Ainoa Naukosho, Ronan Wantenaar and Molina Smalley.
They are accompanied by coach Jane Samson and team manager Cecilia Horsten.
Namibia has previously shown its potential at the continental level.
In 2019, at just 13 years old, Jose Canjulo set a new African junior record in the
400m freestyle at the championships in Tunisia.
At the 2025 edition in Egypt, Oliver Durand broke the African junior record
in the 400m individual medley.
Athletes’ representative Jose Canjulo said the team has both depth and versatility, noting that the swimmers are familiar with each other’s strengths.
“I think this group of athletes is highly driven and dedicated, and that’s why they were chosen. Usually, when athletes like that come together, great things tend to happen,” he said.
According to NASFED secretary general Agata Mason, the team has shown strong commitment throughout the season.
“Their selection reflects both their personal achievements and the federation’s commitment to developing aquatic sports in our country,” she said.
Chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, Freddy Mwiya, expressed his joy at the team participating and urged them to make the nation proud.
“We are very impressed with the investments being put in by the Olympic committee together with the government, especially with the PPP. I am very happy that you are going there. Please make us proud,” Mwiya said.
He further stated that the PPP is still working around the clock to ensure more sponsors for the different sport codes and urged the nation to support the initiative.