Swimmers get London Olympics lifeline

RWANDAN swimmers have received a lifeline with at least two wildcard slots to represent the country at this year’s London Olympics Games.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

RWANDAN swimmers have received a lifeline with at least two wildcard slots to represent the country at this year’s London Olympics Games.The slots have been obtained through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) under the universality tickets awarded to federations with an objective to bring inspiration to build up qualification bid for the subsequent Olympics.The local swimming federation boss Samuel Kinimba said, "We have two wildcards for our swimmers to compete in London games. They are now under intensive preparations.”Kinimba confirmed the identities of the benefiting swimmers as Jackson Niyomugabo and Alphonsine Agahozo, who will all compete in 50m freestyle. The pair was also at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.Niyomugabo trains with Zenith club in Kibuye, Western Province while Agahozo is in Havre, France training under the Olympic Solidarity Fund.With wildcards being awarded to the duo, their performance at the London Games will determine the future number of swimmers to represent Rwanda at the 2016 Brazil Olympics.This will be the third time in a row for the swimming federation is sending its athletes under the solidarity ticket to the Games after the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics.