Sports Photos and story BY Kaveeria Mbogori
Uganda’s
The champion witn coach Max
Swimming Duo
Meet Lise Barendse and Zozianne Hoareau, the 12 year olds from Rainbow International School Kampala(R.I.S.K) who are dominating Junior swimming in Uganda. Lise specializes in butterfly and free style while Zozianne owns the backstroke and front crow strokes. These two youngsters hold junior national records in their respective disciplines and hope to participate in the Olympics some day. BINGWA visited the rising stars in school for a chat. BIngwa: How long have you been Swimming? Lise Barendse: I’ve been swimming since I was 3 years but took it up competitively four years ago in 2008. Zozianne Hoareau: Well, I’ve been swimming since I was 3 years but competitively for three years now. Bingwa: What have you achieved in swimming so far? Lise Barendse: I’m the current champion of the Aga Khan Swimming Championships which is part of the Uganda Swimming Federation calendar and won bronze in the Sub Saharan Junior Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya 2010 while representing Team Uganda. I also have many Junior Swimming national records to my name. Zozianne Hoareau: I have won various medals in the Uganda Swimming Championship calendar and have also been part of the Team Uganda that conquered the region in 2011. Bingwa: What do you love about swimming? Lise Barendse: The fact that there are different strokes and you can specialize in one of them. Zozianne Hoareau: Beating the rest of the field and finishing first, besides it definitely keeps me fit. Bingwa: What are the benefits of Swimming at a competitive level? Lise Barendse: The fame it has brought me
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is immense and because of this, many favors come my way. Zozianne Hoareau: It has made me popular. Bingwa: What is your most memorable Swimming moment? Lise Barendse: Winning the bronze medal for Team Uganda at the Sub Saharan Championships in Nairobi stands out. Zozianne Hoareau: Hmmm! hat would be winning my first medal and also appearing in the national newspaper (New Vision) during the regional Championship in September 2011. Bingwa: Who do you admire most in this sport? Lise Barendse: My brother, Tom Barendse. Zozianne Hoareau: Our school coach, Max Kanyerezi who has helped us improve our swimming skills. Bingwa: What are your other interests/ hobbies? Lise Barendse: I love acting. Zozianne Hoareau: I enjoy playing soccer and a musical instrument called a Saxophone. Bingwa: What advise would you give Bingwa readers? Lise Barendse: Sometimes you just don’t want to go on but always stay strong. Zozianne Hoareau: Try your best and one day you’ll achieve it, also believe in yourself.