The World Aquatics Championships – Fukuoka 2023 took place from 14 to 30 July 2023. The Championships’ concept of “Water Meets the Future” expresses the hope that all the participants will meet the future. In January 2016, it was decided at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Bureau meeting that the 2021 FINA World Championships would be held in Fukuoka. This will be the second time in 22 years the city will play host to the event since the 2001 World Championships, which was the first ever Championships to be staged in Asia. In December 2023, FINA changed its name to World Aquatics.
The World Aquatics Championships – Fukuoka 2023 utilises the compact urban structure of Fukuoka and strives to maximise the value of the event through the city’s unique layout. However Sierra Leone aquatics participated in this year’s prestigious World Aquatics Championships and the FINA General Congress.
The delegation comprises of the President Mohamed Abdul Turay, Secretary General Abdul Turay, and two skilled swimmers, Joshua Wyse and Olamide Elizabeth Kanu.The World Championship featured a 50-meter swimming pool, with Joshua participating in the freestyle and butterfly events, while Olamide showcases her skills in the backstroke and breaststroke events.
The swimming competition commenced over the weekend and concluded on Saturday, 30th July 2023.Non the less due to ongoing rehabilitation work at the national stadium, which holds the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the team had little access to training. They however utilized swimming pools at various hotels and on open water swimming at Aberdeen Beach for training.
The Sierra Leone Aquatics delegation represented the nation well at the World Aquatics Championships. Their participation in this global event is as a result of dedication, hard work, and love for the sport, with aims to inspire future generations of swimmers in Sierra Leone.
The Team is expected to Depart Japan for Sierra Leone on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023.
