Golden girl Muteti seeks world glory
What you need to know:
- Kenya international Emily Muteti warmed up for the 2017 World Championships qualification with two new junior records during the National Age Group Open and Relays Long Course at the Kasarani Aquatic Complex last week.
- She is now looking for a major breakthrough on the international stage.
- Muteti, from the Mombasa Aquatic Club, was in sublime form break Sylvia Brunlenher’s seven-year-old national record in 4x 50m individual before smashing the girls’ 50 metres freestyle record that has stood for five years.
Kenya international Emily Muteti warmed up for the 2017 World Championships qualification with two new junior records during the National Age Group Open and Relays Long Course at the Kasarani Aquatic Complex last week.
She is now looking for a major breakthrough on the international stage.
Muteti, from the Mombasa Aquatic Club, was in sublime form break Sylvia Brunlenher’s seven-year-old national record in 4x 50m individual before smashing the girls’ 50 metres freestyle record that has stood for five years.
Muteti, who has eight national record under her cap in Short Course, pierced through the waters to tap the wall in the 4x50m with a new time of 2:28:77, beating the previous mark of 2:36.21 set by Brunlenher on February 27, 2010.
Muteti, 18, finished ahead of Ambaar Michaelo from Dolphines in 2:37.58 as Hannah Maleche of Barracuda 3:06.21.
Muteti, who already has secured the International Swimming Federation (FINA) scholarship, timed 27.01 to win the 50m freestyle to erase Brunlehner’s record of 27.60 set in 2012.
“This was a timely build up for Muteti as she prepares to go and try to qualify in South Africa for the World Championships,” said Muteti’s coach Abdulkarim Malik.
The South Africa Championships start on April 3 while the World Championships is planned for July 14 to 30 in Budapest, Hungary.
Muteti will take a shot at 100m and 50m butterfly where she aims to beat the World Champion ships qualifying times of 1:00.53 and 27.42 respectively. Last weekend, she swam 1:03.22 and 28.00 at Kasarani.
“The cold water at Kasarani hampered good times but I believe she will make it in South Africa where pools are relatively warmer,” said Malik. “We are also not used to the Long Course hence the Kasarani event gave her the build-up she requires.”
Muteti represented Kenya at the 2015 African games where she finished fourth in 100m and 50m fly. “Her defence and fitness has improved greatly and I believe the scholarship too will come in handy,” said Malik.
Muteti boasts of Long Course national records in the 800m freestyle of 10:43.71 set on April 25, 2012 at Cana Zone III and IV Championships in Maputo, Mozambique and 50m butterfly of 28.62 set on September 7, 2015 during the African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.
