Athena Akwacha Diamantidis, a 9-year-old student from Braeburn Garden Estate School (BGE), has made waves in the swimming community with a record-breaking performance at the East African Inter Braeburn Gala. Competing in the 25m Freestyle for Girls 9 & Under, Athena claimed first place, clocking an impressive 15.90 seconds. This remarkable feat shattered the previous record of 16.67 seconds held by Japan’s Mia Murakami, returning the title to Kenyan hands.
Her victory was no accident. Behind Athena’s success is a demanding training routine, with her day starting as early as 6:30 AM. She balances her schoolwork and breakfast in the morning, making sure her academics don’t interfere with her swimming practice. In the afternoons, Athena dedicates another two hours, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, to honing her skills in the pool. Her dedication and discipline have paid off, as demonstrated by her recent record-breaking performance.
Athena, who turned nine on July 31, 2024, has her sights set even higher. By the time she turns 10 next year, she hopes to push her time down to 14.90 seconds. This ambitious target aligns with her goal to compete at the IAPS Championships, set to take place in Kenya in March 2025. Her determination to keep improving, despite already holding the record, highlights her passion and commitment to the sport.
Her recent win is just the latest in a string of successes. Earlier in March 2024, Athena won the 25m Freestyle at the IAPS Championships with a time of 17.78 seconds. This victory gave her the confidence to push harder and break the current record at the East African Gala. Her journey in competitive swimming is fueled by a relentless drive to achieve even more in the pool.
Athena’s talents are not limited to freestyle. She also claimed gold in the 25m Backstroke during the IAPS Championships. In addition, her teamwork shone through, as she helped her relay team secure three silver medals and one bronze. Athena’s versatility in the water and her ability to excel both individually and as part of a team underline her potential as a future star in the sport.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Athena’s success has inspired many young swimmers across East Africa, who look up to her as a role model. Balancing schoolwork with high-level competition, she demonstrates that it’s possible to excel in both academics and sports. With the support of her coaches, family, and school, Athena continues to train hard and aim for greater heights.
Looking ahead, Athena’s journey has only just begun. Her record-breaking performance at the East African Inter Braeburn Gala is just the start of what promises to be an extraordinary swimming career. As she prepares for the IAPS Championships in 2025, it’s clear that her name will continue to make headlines in the world of swimming.
Athena Akwacha Diamantidis proves that with hard work, dedication, and a clear goal, even young athletes can achieve greatness. The swimming world will be watching closely as she continues to break records and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
