Luanda: International swimmer Lia Lima is the star of the 1º de Agosto team that will compete in the national championships from July 3 to 6 at the Alvalade pool in Luanda. Currently representing Portugal’s Belenenses, the seasoned swimmer is the most acclaimed nationally, especially in the 100- and 200-meter butterfly events, her specialty.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Lima may not have any serious competitors at the event because her two main opponents, Nyriam Morais and Rhanya Santo from Clube Naval da Ilha de Luanda (CNIL), are competing for the national team at the Region 5 Games in Namibia. Lima retained her title as African vice-champion in Luanda in 2024 with a time of 2:20.22.
Alongside Lima, 1º de Agosto has another strong swimmer: Enzo Anjos. Anjos is the national champion in the men’s category and adds value to the team, filling the void left by the absence of potential swimmers from the rival Clube Nautico da Ilha de Luanda. Santiago Guimares, the youth record holder; David Padre; and
Janel Tati are juniors who compete against 1º de Agosto for the podium in various national competitions. They are now representing the national team in the Region 5 Games in Namibia.
The competition could be a showcase for other up-and-coming swimmers, such as Sebastio Vica, a senior member of the Barracudas, and Ladin Kamara of the Onda Sport Club, who is a promising talent. However, Kamara’s participation is in doubt due to technical issues.
The national championship will involve 100 athletes from 1º de Agosto, CNIL, Clube de Nataço de Luanda, Barracudas de Luanda, RV, Golfinhos, Onda Sport Clube, and ADEOA taking place at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and morning and afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.