By Martin Wusha `Conteh
The Sierra Leone Swimming and Water-Polo Association will put in place a strong team ahead of the 16th FINA Swimming Championship so says Mohamed Turay, President Sierra Leone Swimming and Water-Polo Association.
The Championship is scheduled to take place on 13th to 18th 2022 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in Australia. He said four swimmers namely Titi Dumbuya, Mohamed Kamara, Isha Kanu and Johsua JJ. Wyse will make representation for Sierra Leone. He said these swimmers have undoubtedly gained massive experience after competing in a number of international competitions so far. Turay: “The explosive talent they have shown over the last few years has put a huge amount of pressure on their young shoulders as past performances championships;” he said. “Titi Dumbuya has beat her previous best time of 34.79 for the for the event with a personal best of 34.17 in heat in the Commonwealth in Birmingham, England even though she finished in 6th position”.
However, heading into next month’s Camp In Conakry, Guinea, self-confidence will be key as these youngsters seek to triumph in the coming FINA World Championship.Turay said: “In the sports world, self-confidence is a mark of a champion and a secret ingredient that all great athletes seem to possess, regardless of what level they compete at.“We are also looking at the psychological aspect of these athletes as self-confidence is a positive mental attitude that keeps an athlete working hard regardless of how many times they may fail or how many difficulties get thrown in their paths”He added that embracing this positive mental attitude can give the swimmers the courage and focus to defeat stronger opponents in the World Championship.
“Our performance in the Commonwealth Wealth Games is somehow disappointing but Titi made in roads to break her personal record which I think is a positive sign for future championship;” Turay told the Owlsports. He however called on government for support to prepare the mental and physical aspect of the four swimmers.
