Gomes breaks Malawi’s 12-year swimming record

Swimmer Filipe Gomes on Sunday broke Malawi’s 12-year record in 100 metres (m) breaststroke by almost a second after crossing the finishing line in 1:07.37 minutes at Fina World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The record had stood since 2005 when Rory Buck swam the distance in 1:08.84 min.

Gomes finished fourth in the heat and 64th overall; beating competitors from at least 10 other countries to give Malawi 613 Fina points.

“He has broken Malawi’s record and he is now the number one swimmer in the country for this race. It is a wonderful achievement for himself and the country,” said  Malawi team leader Monica Ching’anamuno.

British Adam Peaty was the overall winner after clocking 58.21 seconds.

However, the competition proved tough for Malawi’s female swimmer Ammara Pinto as she finished last in 100m backstroke in 1:20.95 min.

Another Malawian representative Tayamika Chang’anamuno is scheduled to contest in 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle tomorrow. She will be beamed live on SuperSport 7HD (DStv channel 227) from 9am, according to MultiChoice Malawi sales and marketing manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda. n