Sezerano Naomi, a swimmer, has demonstrated exceptional skill in the sport, earning her over 20 medals. She is among the leading female athletes excelling in this sport in Rwanda.
While it’s not accurate to say that girls are afraid of swimming, those who participate professionally are still few.
Through the Beach Boys team, which Sezerano is a part of, she gained extensive knowledge in swimming and was given opportunities to participate in various competitions.
Beach Boys is a team that trains children and adults in swimming, helping them secure opportunities to participate in various competitions. These competitions allow them to showcase their abilities and skills, earning money or accessing other opportunities that help them grow further.
It was in March 2023 that Sezerano Naomi joined the sport of swimming with the help of this team.
Speaking with KURA, Sezerano said that it didn’t take long for her to make a mark, as she started participating in various competitions that earned her over 20 medals and substantial money.
She said, “To date, I have participated in many competitions that have earned me money and over 20 medals.”
The young woman mentioned that she initially faced challenges when she entered the sport because she used to fear seeing people drown and was afraid of encountering dead bodies.
“Water has its own risks; even an expert swimmer can sometimes have a problem and drown,” she explained.
She elaborated that she was always anxious about drowning and couldn’t get the images of people who had died in water out of her mind. This fear became a significant obstacle, making her consider quitting the sport.
“I was afraid that I might drown or see it happen to others and become scared. I also feared the bodies of people who had died in water, making me think about quitting the sport. But because I love it, I found myself continuing,” she said.
Apart from being a sport that brings her joy and relaxes her by exercising her body, Sezerano Naomi says it’s a good profession that supports her financially.
She offered advice to those who fear the sport, especially girls, and others who hesitate to create their own jobs due to self-doubt.
“The advice I would give to girls is to be courageous in this sport and create their own jobs because they are capable; they shouldn’t exclude themselves. They should know that whatever they set their minds to, they can achieve. Others who underestimate themselves should be brave; it’s possible,” she said.
