SWIMMING – Eswatini’s teenage swimming sensation Luca Fraser has qualified in six events for the 2025/26 South African National Junior Championships, further cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest prospects in the pool.
The 15-year-old will compete at the South African National Junior Age Group Championships scheduled for March 21–25, 2026 at the Newton Park 50m Indoor Swimming Pool in Port Elizabeth.
The competition is regarded as the premier national meet for junior swimmers in South Africa.
Fraser secured qualifying times in breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley events.
His entries include the 50m Breaststroke (31.41) achieved at the African Youth Games; 100m Freestyle (59.96) and 200m Individual Medley (2:30.89) both swum at the MAC Gala on October 17, 2025; 100m Breaststroke (1:11.06) and 50m Freestyle (26.63) also clocked at the African Youth Games, as well as the 200m Breaststroke (2:35.35) from the MAC Gala.
His coach, Meluleki Simelane — affectionately known as ‘Sluga’ — of Pelicans Swimming Club said the club was proud of Fraser’s steady progress and dedication.
“We at Pelicans Swimming Club are immensely proud of his continued success and hard work. These qualifying times are a reflection of the discipline and commitment he shows every single day, both at home and during his training sessions in South Africa,” Simelane said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Coach Dean, who works closely with Fraser in South Africa.
“A special thank you goes to Coach Dean in South Africa, who continues to push and guide Luca during his training sessions there. His expertise and support have been invaluable in helping him reach these levels,” he said.
Fraser’s latest achievement builds on his impressive performance at the 4th African Youth Games, where he reached multiple finals and posted personal best times.
He is currently a beneficiary of an Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association scholarship targeting qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Simelane said the focus now shifts to fine-tuning Fraser’s preparations ahead of the March championships.
“Congratulations to Luca on these qualifications. Keep swimming strong, we are all behind you,” he stated.
According to Simelane, Fraser’s progress continues to put the country on the map in regional and international swimming circles.
