Despite missing out on a place in the semifinals of the Women’s 100m Freestyle during her maiden appearance at the Olympic Games, Ugandan-Swedish swimmer Gloria Anna Muzito has broken the National Record and set a new personal best.
Heading into her first Olympics in Paris, France, the 21-year-old’s record stood at 56:01 seconds, a time that landed her a bronze medal at the All Africa Games held in Ghana in March, 2024.
She was able to beat the above time on Tuesday, recording 55:95 seconds as she finished eighth in Heat 4.
In the aftermath of the race, the youngster highlighted the positives in an interview with renowned sports journalist Clive Kyazze.
“This is my first Olympics and I was really nervous because surely this is a big stage,” Muzito said before adding.
“But generally it was good swimming and I will take it. I was able to keep my cool with the huge crowd that left me excited.”
“There is always something to improve and after talking to my coach we shall take it from there,” she added.
Alongside Cyclist Charles Kagimu, Muzito was Uganda’s flag carrier at the grand opening ceremony on Friday, a memory she’ll keep forever.
“I am in Paris for the first time and everything has been wonderful so far but the opening ceremony was memorable. It was a honour to carry the flag for Uganda,” she noted.
“I am so happy for that, it’s something that I am going to live with for long and I am equally excited to be here with the team and I am looking forward to watching the rest of the competition.”
Uganda will have a busy day on Friday with nine athletes in action notably captain Joshua Cheptegei and his partner in crime Jacob Kiplimo in 10000m. They will be joined by Martin Magengo Kiprotich.
Joy Cheptoyek, Belinda Chemutai, and Ester Chebet will race in the Women’s 5000m while Halimah Nakaayi will be on the track run in the Women’s 800m.
Jesse Ssengonzi will be in the pool for the Men’s 100m butterfly whereas Kathleen Grace Noble will retire after her E/F 2 final.
