Young swimmer leaves competitors in his wake

Swimming has always been considered a sport for the brave, and requires even more effort when one is competing in the deep ocean waters.
Following his extraordinary performance in the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile Sprint, held on 27 December in the Mole, the Economist managed to track down Lushano Lamprecht, Namibia’s teenage swimming ace.
A clearly passionate and dedicated Lamprecht shared his passion for swimming and said he started swimming at the tender age of eight.
“I decided to take up swimming when I was watching the Olympics, I was particularly interested in South African swimmers who always performed so well! It looked interesting and I asked my parents whether I can join a swimming club. They have since encouraged me.”
Lamprecht has been with the Namibia Swimming Academy since he started his swimming career. He was shifted to the elite category two years ago.
The young swimmer has traveled to numerous African countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana for swimming competitions.
Upon return from the Zone 6 games, Lamprecht decided to enter for the Jetty Mile as most of his team mates were already taking part in the annual Pupkewitz Jetty Mile. But as a result of injury and lack of proper fitness for such rough sea conditions, he settled for the Sprinter Distance.
He then came first in his category and second overall behind another very promising young swimmer, JP Engelbrercht who is four years older. His performance in the sprint established what many swim enthusiasts believe, Lamprecht will turn into a swimming sensation for Namibia.

Lamprecht said one of his proudest moments was in Zambia for the Zone 6 games last year December where he won two bronze medals. “Competition was tough at the Zone 6 games as I had to compete against way older and more experienced swimmers.”
He said that the Jetty Mile has been an interesting experience as there was a lot of competition simply because there were so many swimmers.
His dream, like any other serious sportsman, is to represent his country at the Olympics and to do the country proud. The young athlete is set to take part in the Junior African Games in December.
Lamprecht said that there is not much competition within the swimming fraternity. “It is more like once you have won, you will always win and this hinders even the most competent to improve their skills and speed.”
The young sportsman looks up to world swimming record holders but also finds inspiration in his older brother, Christian Lampecht, also a swimmer.
Lamprecht is a student at the Windhoek International School.