12-year-old swimming sensation Farai Matabeya makes waves and eyes records

AT the tender age of 12, Farai Matabeya is not just making waves but creating a tsunami of success in the swimming world.

Already a champion in her age group both provincially and nationally, Farai’s talent shines as brightly as the medals she effortlessly collects. As a proud member of the Bulawayo Amateur Swimming Association and a diligent student at Whitestone Primary School, she has quickly become the pride of the City of Kings and Queens.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary Kirsty Coventry and Michael Phelps, Farai has emerged as a formidable presence in the local swimming scene. With a reputation that precedes her, she’s not just reaching for the stars — she’s aiming to soar beyond them, fuelled by the ambition to shatter records just like her heroes.

Behind her remarkable achievements is a supportive family that has been instrumental in her journey. The unwavering support from her loved ones, especially her older sister, serves as the backbone of her success. For Farai Matabeya, the pool is her stage and each stroke takes her closer to her dreams. The sky’s not the limit; it’s just the beginning.

“When I think about it, it has got to be my family. All of them have different ways that inspire me and they are my role models.

Honourable Minister Kirsty Coventry and Michael Phelps who had a 15-year long standing record of 200-metre butterfly are also my role models. My mother and father both agree in supporting me and they have overcome a lot of challenges that I’m not even aware of. But let’s not forget my older sister Paida, who is at university.

“She always has my back, going to new places and always pushing me to be better than her and to do even much better. I love her and I’m always looking forward to all the highs and lows we go through together,” the Farai said.

Farai’s latest successful hunt was at the BASA Junior Championships which took place this past weekend at the City Pool. She was the overall champion of the girls’ Under-12 category and is poised for greater things. Her target, though, is to break records and fly the country’s flag at some of the world’s biggest stages.

Her successful swim in the BASA Junior Championships came after she scooped over 10 medals in the Zimbabwe Senior National Championships/Gala which took place in Harare at the end of last month. She won five gold medals, six silver medals and two bronze medals. On top of that, she had the opportunity to receive some of her medals from rugby legend and World Cup winning Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira.

Her dream does not only involve swimming but she is looking at the academic side of things as well. She is looking forward to also being recognised by top institutions not only in Zimbabwe but outside the country as well. For her, the sky is the limit.

“If I can be honest right now my main focus is breaking a national record in Zimbabwe so that I can make an even bigger name for myself and lift the Zimbabwean flag higher. I would love to also be selected in the Zimbabwe swimming team and I always tell myself that if it doesn’t happen now it has to happen.

“I’m looking forward to getting recognised by some top schools not only in Zimbabwe but in South Africa because I believe that there is a lot of talent out there that is waiting for me to dive into. Another thing that may shock you is that I have already convinced my baby sister Mufaro to enjoy the water and I’m very happy that I got to spread my talent to her, so that is one goal I have already achieved.

“Lastly but not least I am proud of the encouragement which our Honourable Her Excellency the First Lady always mentions about the girl child. She says ‘the sky is the limit, let’s go girls’,” said Farai.

Having achieved so much at such a young age, breaking records locally and nationally, Farai said winning all those medals keeps her motivated to achieve more and is grateful to everyone who has supported her throughout.

“It is very amazing and rewarding honestly. It breaks my heart when I don’t perform as well as I can so whenever I get those medals and accolades it’s very satisfying and rewarding. It helps me stay motivated to continue climbing great heights that I believe I’m destined for. I am humbled and thankful to all of my trainers and Whitestone Primary School for nurturing me from Pre-School and now up to Grade Seven,” she said.

As she completes her last year of primary school, she has already attracted interests from a number of schools locally.
@brandon_malvin