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Lorita sets record as Tanzania makes historic Open water swimming debut

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 11:55 GMT by The Citizen
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Lorita Breaks New Ground for Tanzanian Open‑Water Swimming

In a historic moment for Tanzanian sports, swimmer Lorita M. broke the national record and led Tanzania’s first foray into the world’s premier open‑water competition at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha. The 24‑year‑old athlete, who grew up in a small village along the Mara River, finished the 10‑km race in 2:06:14, a time that eclipses the previous Tanzanian benchmark by more than a minute. This performance not only earned her a top‑ten finish but also cemented her status as a trailblazer for a country that has traditionally focused on sprint freestyle events in pool competitions.

From the Mara to the International Stage

Lorita’s journey began when her father, a fisherman, introduced her to swimming at the tender age of six. She quickly developed an affinity for endurance swimming, spending hours in the natural waters of the Mara River. Despite limited access to formal training facilities, she trained under the guidance of a volunteer coach from the Tanzania Swimming Federation (TSF), who recognized her potential and helped secure her a scholarship to the Lusaka Sports Academy in Zambia. There she gained exposure to structured coaching, strength conditioning, and a disciplined training regimen that prepared her for the rigors of open‑water racing.

“The natural environment of Tanzania gives our swimmers a unique advantage,” said Dr. Mwamba K., a former national coach and current technical director of the TSF. “Lorita’s early years in the river instilled an instinctive ability to read currents and manage energy over long distances.”

The 10‑km Open‑Water Challenge

The Doha 10‑km event is the most grueling race on the international calendar, with competitors battling not only distance but also waves, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable currents. The competition field included elite swimmers from Italy, Australia, and the United States, each boasting times well under two hours. Lorita’s finish, though short of medal contention, positioned her 11th overall—a remarkable achievement given that Tanzania had never fielded a swimmer in this category before.

The race unfolded over a 2‑kilometre lap in the harbor, with the water temperature hovering around 27 °C. Lorita navigated the course with strategic positioning, often following the lead pack to conserve energy. She employed a disciplined pacing strategy, maintaining an average split of 12 min 52 s per kilometer. Her finish was punctuated by a strong sprint in the final kilometer, underscoring her mental resilience and physical conditioning.

National Record and Historical Significance

Prior to Lorita’s performance, the Tanzanian record for the 10‑km open‑water event stood at 2:08:45, set by Moses Mwanyoro at the 2019 African Championships. Lorita’s time represents a 12‑second improvement and sets a new benchmark for Tanzanian swimmers. The TSF officially recognized the record on the day of the race, with the federation’s president, Hon. Grace M. N., announcing that the federation would now actively develop a national open‑water program, including talent identification, coaching clinics, and participation in continental competitions.

“This is a watershed moment,” declared President M. N. at the post‑race ceremony. “We have proven that our athletes can compete at the highest level in endurance swimming. We will now invest in the infrastructure and coaching expertise required to sustain this progress.”

Broader Implications for Tanzanian Sports

The impact of Lorita’s record extends beyond the swimming pool. It has spurred renewed interest in open‑water sports across Tanzania, inspiring young athletes to consider longer‑distance events. The National Sports Council has earmarked $2 million for the development of a coastal training facility at Nairobi’s Mombasa Harbor, aimed at providing year‑round access to open‑water conditions.

In addition, the TSF has announced plans to collaborate with the African Open‑Water Swimming Association to host a regional championship in 2025, with Tanzania set to co‑organize. This initiative is expected to bolster regional cooperation, elevate the standard of competition, and provide local athletes with invaluable international exposure.

Training Innovations and Support Systems

Lorita’s training regimen is notable for its integration of traditional techniques and modern science. She combines daily river swims with indoor pool sessions that focus on stroke efficiency and endurance. Moreover, the TSF has partnered with Kenyan sports scientist Dr. Samuel G. to implement biometric monitoring, ensuring that her training load is optimized for peak performance.

Nutrition has also played a pivotal role. Lorita follows a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and lean proteins, designed to sustain energy during long swims. She often consumes tanzanite beans and kale—local staples that are high in antioxidants and iron—before races. This dietary approach has been endorsed by the TSF’s nutritionist, Ms. Asha K., who emphasizes the importance of locally sourced foods in developing sustainable athletic programs.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Lorita is setting her sights on the 2028 Olympic Games in Paris. She plans to qualify through the African Open‑Water Championships and has already begun a targeted training plan that includes a simulated Olympic course in the Seychelles. She remains humble, stating, “I am grateful for the support of my family, coaches, and the entire swimming community. This is just the beginning; I want to inspire the next generation of Tanzanian swimmers.”

The TSF’s strategic plan also includes a pipeline for emerging talent, with a focus on establishing feeder programs in schools and community centers across the country. The federation’s leadership believes that Lorita’s success is a catalyst for a broader movement toward inclusive and diverse sports participation.

Closing Reflections

Lorita’s record‑setting performance at the Doha championships symbolizes more than a single athlete’s triumph; it marks a turning point for Tanzania’s presence in international open‑water swimming. By breaking long‑standing barriers, she has opened doors for future competitors, drawn attention to the potential of Tanzania’s natural training environments, and galvanized national investment in sports development.

As the country looks to the future, the narrative of Lorita’s journey—rooted in community, nurtured by innovation, and propelled by resilience—will undoubtedly continue to inspire athletes across the African continent. The ripples of her achievement are already being felt, promising a new era of Tanzanian swimming that extends beyond the pool and into the open waters of global competition.