Swimmers dive into Dakar action

Melodi Saleshando will compete in the women's 50m freestyle, featuring in heat nine of nine in lane seven, while Tema Modirelabangwe takes to the pool in the men's 50m butterfly, swimming in heat three in lane three. The finals are scheduled for the same day, subject to qualification from the heats. Swimming coach, Solomon Mpusetsang told Sport Monitor that the team was ready, with spirits high ahead of their first appearance. "The team is ready, spirits are high and we are looking forward to taking it to the pool," he said.

However, Mpusetsang said the extreme heat and lengthy commute to the competition venue were presenting logistical challenges. He added the aquatic centre is about two hours from the Athletes' Village, with the team having to take a bus to the train station, travel by train to Dakar before boarding another bus to the venue. "The buses are not air-conditioned, which makes the journey quite tiresome. It is very hot here, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the situation does not take a toll on the swimmers," he said.