Eswatini’s swimming sensation Hayley Hoy has etched her name in the country’s sporting history by breaking two national records, each over two decades old at the Africa School Games 2025 in Algeria.
The 16-year-old swimmer delivered a remarkable performance in Sétif where swimming events are staged as part of the inaugural continental school sports festival.
Hoy first stormed to victory in the Girls 15–17 200m butterfly, clocking 2:31.67 and in the process erasing the previous long course age-group record of 2:38.06 set by L. de la Motte in Durban back in January 2001. She then followed up with another stellar swim in the 200m freestyle, setting a new long course national record of 2:17.13 as she broke de la Motte’s 2002 record of 2:19.25 achieved at the Wildgeese Prestige event.
Eswatini Swimming Association Secretary General Nozipho Mahlalela hailed the young swimmer’s dedication and hard work.
“Hayley is at peak performance and this is exciting to witness,” Mahlalela said. “With the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships around the corner we are optimistic about podium finishes. Her commitment to the sport is inspiring.” Mahlalela also commended Tiano Fraser, another young swimmer who joined the tour straight from his exams, describing the experience as a vital benchmark ahead of the Zone IV Championships to be hosted by Eswatini in September.
The swimming challenge will take place at Enjabulweni School from September 3-6 followed by the Open Water Championships at Luphohlo Dam on September 7, a discipline recognised by World Aquatics and featured in Olympic competitions.
The Africa School Games 2025, running across Annaba, Skikda, Constantine and Sétif has drawn 3 000 to 3 500 athletes from 44 to 54 countries supported by nearly 1 000 officials.
Featuring 25 sports, the games aim to promote talent identification, olympic values and serve as a pathway to the African Youth Games in Luanda 2025 and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
For Eswatini, Hoy’s record-breaking performance is a statement of intent ahead of the country’s upcoming hosting duties and a beacon of hope for the nation’s swimming future.
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