Sports
NIGERIA’S maiden participation in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) produced a historic moment, as teenager, Munachi Odulukwe, set an astonishing record in the ‘Dead Man Float’ event.
The Emerald High School Senior Secondary School 2 student emerged on Friday as the overall best swimmer, recording 1:21:07 in the survival swimming challenge.
The 17th annual WLSL event took place at Emerald High School, Asese, Ogun.
The event was organised by Swim in 1 Day Africa, a non-governmental organisation, carrying the message, ‘Swimming Lessons Save Lives’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme aims to reduce drowning incidents through swimming education worldwide.
Hundreds of students received survival swimming training and competed for awards.
The initiative highlighted drowning prevention, especially as Africa records most global victims.
The Dead Man Float is a survival technique for staying afloat during emergencies.
It involves spreading the arms and legs while using natural buoyancy. Swimmers make minimal movements and lift their heads briefly to breathe.
Odulukwe’s performance attracted attention as one of Nigeria’s best recorded efforts. She defeated Chinwendu Okoye, who finished second with 41:21.
Toni Ajayi placed third after recording 13:15 in the competition.
Speaking after her feat, Odulukwe said the achievement required intense physical effort.
“The one hour spent in the water is a lot of stress,” she said, adding that determination helped her complete the challenge successfully.
“I was determined to do it, although this is not my first time,” she said.
Odulukwe described swimming as a skill capable of saving lives. “It is something that can save a life when there is danger,” she added.
Okoye said the experience was challenging in spite of her previous swimming practice.
“I have practised butterfly and breaststroke, but this was extraordinary,” she said.
Ajayi, a 12-year-old student, described her first competition experience as enjoyable. “I am a starter, but I had a wonderful time,” she said.
She said swimming helped her maintain fitness and manage stress.
Emerald High School Vice Principal, Mr Samson Akano, praised the students’ achievements. “It is an amazing performance by the students today,” he said.
Akano said education should combine classroom learning with sporting activities.
“Co-curricular activities like sports should complement academics,” he added.
SID Africa convener, Emeka Chuks-Nnadi, hailed the event’s success, saying participants overcame fears through the organisation’s swimming methodology.
“Many had never entered a swimming pool before,” he said.
Chuks-Nnadi praised Odulukwe’s courage and determination during the record attempt.
He said the achievement followed proper guidance and confidence-building. He explained that SID promotes water safety, inclusion and climate awareness.
“Swimming is beyond sport; it is a life-saving skill,” he said.
Chuks-Nnadi disclosed that SID is nurturing future Olympic and Paralympic swimmers.
He revealed that about 70 visually impaired students are receiving training. He also urged parents to support talented young swimmers.
According to him, consistent training could produce future champions.
The winners received certificates and scholarships for their achievements. (NAN)
A.I
June 27, 2026
Tags: