Copyright hiiraan
Hiiraan Online Today from Hiiraan Online: Somali Music advertisements Young Somali swimmer Aya Adams makes waves at Africa Aquatics Championships in Nairobi FacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Monday November 3, 2025 Aya Adams is pushing to take Somalia players. PHOTO/AMINAH BABIRYE. Daily Monitor Mogadishu (HOL) — Ten-year-old Aya Olleh Adams has become the youngest swimmer ever to represent Somalia in international competition, marking a milestone moment for the country’s reemergence in global sports. Aya competed at the Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships in Nairobi from October 16 to 19, where she raced in nine events across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and medley categories. The meet, held at the Kasarani Aquatic Centre, coincided with her 10th birthday, a fitting celebration for a rising athlete determined to make waves for Somali sport. “I feel great having completed the competition,” Aya told Uganda's Daily Monitor. “I hope I can be an example to other Somali kids and inspire them to take up swimming in the future.” Her participation follows Somalia’s growing visibility in international aquatics. Earlier this year, 15-year-old Mustaf Islahom became the first Somali to compete at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Aya’s appearance at the Zone III Championships builds on that momentum, signaling renewed ambition from the Somali Aquatics Federation to develop youth programs abroad. Based in Uganda, Aya began swimming at Hertz Swim Club in Wakiso before joining Aqua Akii in Ntinda, Kampala, where she trains under Coach Abel Ddemulirra. She was recently named Best Female Swimmer in the 10-and-under category at the Uganda Aquatics National League and placed third at the national championships. “The competition here [in Kasarani] has been tough but I am still growing. However, I am happy with how things are going back in Uganda. I put in the work and I am winning,” Aya said. Aya’s mother, Mackenzie Adams, a former basketball and American football player, serves as her coach and mentor. “Aya never stops. I asked if she was sure she wanted to swim in this competition and do all those races. She told me that even if she was Lane 1 of Heat 1 she would swim. She asked me, ‘Was that a good wrong?’” Mackenzie said, laughing. “It could have been easier for Aya to pick Uganda to represent but sometimes the harder path is better,” Mackenzie said. “Aya is a Somali national and will represent her country so Somali kids can realize they can also represent their country. We feel honoured that we have the chance to build something. The Somali Aquatics Federation exists but it is not in the best shape now. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us who grew up there [in Somalia] to push things the right way.” Aya’s long-term goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games, an ambition inspired by televised competitions she watched as a child. Her early success already represents something larger — a story of national pride, persistence, and possibility. “I love water and I find it peaceful,” Aya said. “I try to play basketball too but I love swimming more. I discovered it by watching it on television and decided I wanted to be at the Olympics one day.” For Aya and her family, the early success represents a story of national pride, persistence, and possibility for a country rebuilding its sporting institutions. “She fills me with pride,” Mackenzie said. “My father was a very proud Somali and gave her his name Olleh. May he continue to rest but also celebrate on the other side.” Opinion| Privacy Policy|Sports|Somali Music|Somali Map All Rights Reserved Copyright. © 1999-2025, www.hiiraan.com
