‘Amphibian’ shatters African records

Gideon Nasilowski broke four African records last week Thursday at the Pan pacific Para-swimming championships in Pasadena, Los Angeles. He first went 6:55.34 in the men’s 200 free S3 and 1:35.18 for the 50 free S3 in preliminary heats. He came back to finals and dropped his time in both events: 6:50.88 for the 200 and 1:33.21 for the 50.

The championships were a major success for team Namibia. “ The Americans welcomed us at the opening ceremony with a standing ovation, some of them in disbelieve to see an African country apart from South Africa for swimming at international level,” Gideon said.
“Athletes, coaches and administrators of other countries treated us like family remembering us from World championships in Montreal last year, they are eager to assist our team manager Ahir Morar and coach Ruan Sheun has picked up allot of experience during this time,” he added.
The best news is that Gideon Nasilowski, ‘the Amphibian’ Namibian’s classification is now internationally confirmed in the S3 classification.
“We are happy with the classification although it is a tough class for him it is fair and he is confident that he can achieve the qualifying standard for Rio 2016.”
Gideon took part in three events 200m freestyle, 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke. His first event was the 200m freestyle prelims with a time of 6:55.34 four seconds slower than his personnel best and the 50m freestyle with a time of 1:35.18 two seconds slower than his personal best.
Although these times were not his personal best he still qualified for the finals that evening. He came back to finals and dropped time in both events: 6:50.88 for the 200 five seconds faster than the morning session and one second off his personal best, 1:33.21 for the 50 three seconds faster than the morning session and one second off his personal best.

The 50m breaststroke was the last event for Gideon, his favourite event brought a bit of disappointment yet again. Gideon was disqualified in the 50m breaststroke, this time for his arms passing his hips with every stroke, at the World Championships in Montreal he was disqualified for his feet coming out of the water too much.
“Disappointed but not discouraged we got to this point with hard word and dedication and we learn new things every time implement them and improve,” he said.
Gideon ended overall 6th in the 200m freestyle, 4th in the 50m freestyle and disqualified in the 50m breaststroke.
“I wish I could have brought a better result for the country I gave everything I had but ill still persevere and come out on top one day, at least I am returning home as the best swimmer in Africa in my respective classification,” said Gideon.
“We wish to thank our wonderful sponsors who makes our dreams come true and inspire the nation to greatness, Fruit & Veg, Old Mutual, Manica, Penny Pinchers,Panel to Panel, Stephan Lofty Eaton Properties and a special thank you to Disability Sport Namibia who secured N$ 50 000.00 through NamPower,” he said.