Serunjoji lowers NR at World Championships bow

KAMPALA. 

Despite a mix-up in his 50m butterfly entry time, Ismah Serunjoji made the start he wished for at the ongoing World Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The 28:00 that the 24 year old entered for the event was made at a local event in a short course swimming pool.

Therefore Serunjoji’s personal best in a long course pool, before today’s 28:57 at the Danube Arena in Budapest l, was the 29:89 made at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo, Brazaville.

Serunjoji’s new time is a national record (longcourse) after it 'dwarfed' the 28:61 made by Arnold Kisulo at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. 

National team coach Muzafaru Muwanguzi expects an even better show when the Supra Club swimmer returns to the Arena on Friday for the 50m freestyle – which Serunjoji entered with 26:30 made at the Africa Senior Champions in South Africa. 

“Butterfly is a second choice stroke for him so by his means, I am happy with the way he has started,” Muwanguzi told Daily Monitor. 

Before the races, Muwanguzi – also a coach at Dolphins Swim Club – had said mental strength at this level would be biggest test for Serunjoji and another debutant Avice Meya in Budapest. 

There was a big examination for Serunjoji, in lane one, when his immediate opponent in lane two Dillon Gooding dived into the pool before the start-whistle. 

Fortunately, the Ugandan remained on the blocks and came off with a reaction time of 0.76 when the whistle went. 

“I expected him to follow (Gooding) but I think he was in great mental form,” Muwanguzi said.

Serunjoji will join the fans tomorrow as Joshua Ekirikubinza attempts to lower his 33:00 in the 50m breaststroke on Tuesday.