Ugandan swimmer Zara Mbanga wants to break swimming records, gender stereotypes and represent her country at the Olympics Games.
At 10, Mbanga is currently breaking records in her pursuit of being one of the best swimmers in the world.
With over 40 medals, Mbanga is not shy about her confidence in the pool, hence she is the type of swimmer who commands attention when she shows up at the venue as her greatness is building, and she is making history along the way.
In November 2021, she set a new National Record for the 50m backstroke for girls 10 years and under.
And, in April this year, she was the 5th best in the 100m breaststroke and 8th in the 50m butterfly out of 18 swimmers in the age group category of 12 and under at the CANA Zone IV championship in Lusaka, Zambia where she broke into the Top 10 in her first regional competition that had 13 African countries.
Speaking with Tatenda Gondo, Mbanga chats about her success at a young age and her admiration for Olympian Kirabo Namutebi and US swimmer Simone Manuel.
Zara, thank you for your time. How did you feel being the youngest swimmer at the Zone III and IV swimming championships?
When I made the team for the Zone III and IV swimming championship, I could not believe it. I was very nervous and scared, but on the other hand I was confident that I would do my best. And I overcame my fears by listening closely to my internal dialogue, acknowledging it and restructuring it.
Who introduced you to swimming?
One day while I was swimming at school, my coach was impressed by the way I was kicking the water and he volunteered to train me. I started training every Saturday before I shifted to daily training. As time passed by, my swimming technique improved.
How many times do you train per week?
A month before an important meet, I train twice a day from 6-7am and 5-6:30pm, but for my normal training, I swim five times a week with Jaguar swim club.
What is your favourite subject in school?
Mathematics! I love adding, subtracting and multiplying. Sometimes I even apply mathematics concepts when I am swimming.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a young swimmer?
The COVID-19 pandemic had severe effects on me as a young swimmer. I was confined at home and could not train in swimming pools. Competitions were postponed or cancelled, and this meant that I had no competitions to participate in and test myself.
Lastly, I struggled to swim in a 50metre pool at the Zone IV swimming championship because in my country we use a different pool which is 25metres for training and competitions.
Which swimming stroke is your favourite?
Breaststroke is a very hard stroke to master but the basics are easy to understand. Also, it allows me to build strength, power and endurance. At CANA, I also won my heat for 100m breaststroke. Therefore, I believe I am good at breaststroke.
How many medals have you won this far in your career?
There are many – we are talking about more than 40 medals.
What about National records – how many NR’s do you hold?
I hold the Uganda Primary Schools national records for the 100m Individual Medley, and the 25m butterfly in the Girls 8 years and under category which I set in March 2020.
In November 2021, I set a new National Record for the 50m backstroke for Girls 10 years and under. My time of 1:31:22 in the 100m breaststroke at the CANA Zone IV swimming championship is a new national record for Girls 10 years and under.
Who are your role models in swimming?
Our own Ugandan swimmer Kirabo Namutebi at the age of 16 represented Uganda at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and she broke a national record in the women’s 50m freestyle during her Olympic debut.
I also admire US swimmer Simone Manuel who won two gold medals in the Women’s 50m and 100m freestyle at the 2019 World swimming championship.
Talking about the future, where do you see yourself?
I want to break swimming records, gender stereotypes and represent my country at the Olympics Games.
What message do you have for other youth who are hoping to also be successful in their careers?
Firstly, they have to train very hard and believe in themselves. Once they go out and represent the nations they should swim to the best of their abilities and they should know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Photo 1 Caption: Ugandan swimmer Zara Mbanga wants to break swimming records, gender stereotypes and represent her country at the Olympics Games. Photo: Uganda Swimming Federation
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