Swimmers Christian Byiringiro and Nema Nyirabyenda, on Saturday, March 16, won two gold medals each at the Open Water championship, a local swimming contest organised by the Rwanda Swimming Federation (RSF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Rwamagana District.

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The competition took place at Lake Muhazi in Rwamagana district and attracted 70 participants across five categories including 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m for both male and female swimmers.

Teams including Rwamagana Canoe Aquatics and Sports Club, Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, Les Daulphins, Gisenyi Beach Boys, Rubavu Sporting Club, Rwesero, Cercle Sportif de Karongi, and Aqua Wave took part in the tournament.

Byiringiro, 15, claimed victory in the 3,000m and 1,500m races, winning them in an impressive time of 40:19:00 and 29:38:55, respectively, as Nyirabyenda won the 5,000m and 1,500m events within 1:27:20:40 and 36:56:32 respectively.

"I am thrilled with my performance and aim to continue winning to make my country proud in the near future. I dedicate time to practice daily, starting at 6:00 am before school,” Byiringiro said.

For Nyirabyenda, the contest was not just about victory but also preparing him for international competitions.

"This victory means a lot to me. There are no competitors in Rwanda for the 5000m, but these tournaments help me assess my skills and get ready for international events,” he noted.

In the 5000m category, Eric Iradukunda, Byiringiro’s elder brother emerged victorious followed by Claude Dusabe.

Pamela Girimbabazi, the RSF president said the federation wants to host more tournaments like this in the future.

"Open water swimming isn't widely known in Rwanda. That's why we organised this event here in Rwamagana. Next, we plan to continue in Rubavu,” she said.

Other winners

400 meters (Girls):

1. Latifah Akimana (Les Daulphins)

2. Chancelline Niyonagira (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

400 metres (Boys):

1. Nicolas Mugisha (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

2. Phocas Ngizwanayo (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

800 metres (Girls):

1. Claudine Akarikumutima (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

2. Francine Nyiransengimana (Les Daulphins)

800 meters (Boys):

1. Fabrice Uwimana (Rwesero Swimming Club)

2. Claude Hashakimana (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

3000 meters (Girls):

1. Emerita Akarikumutima (Cercle Sportif de Karongi)

2. Nyiransengimana Francine (Les Daulphins)