Swimmer Jason Dunford and the Kenian HoD
When one mentions sport and Kenya, immediately the image of athletics pops up. However, after this Universiade one might reconsider that point of view. Main reason for that are the Dunford brothers Jason (22) and David (20), two simmers form Kenya. Especially Jason Dunford, the older one. He sharpened two Universiade Records in the Universiade pool, on the 50 and 100 m butterfly, collecting three medals: gold on the 100m butterfly, silver on the 50m and bronze on the 100m freestyle.
FISU Media had a chat with the champ, a Stanford graduate.
FISU Media: Swimming is not exactly a popular sport in Kenya.
JD: (Laughs) ‘No, but we’re changing that, slowly but definitely. My brother and I are the first two swimmers that have reached this level. We’re getting a lot of press back home and people are appreciating it. Gives the sports fans in Kenya something to watch the first week of the Olympics and not only the second. Because last year I was swimming in the Bejing Olympics and I got fifth in the 100m butterfly there.’
FISU Media: What about the competition here at the Universiade?
JD: ‘The swimming here is a great competition. There are a lot of top swimmers here in Belgrade. Obviously the best in the world are not present as they are not eligible for this event, but the standard is very high and a lot of the swimmers will be going to the World Championships in Rome in two weeks time. I’ll be going there as well. So this is more of a stepping stone for me, that’s were my main focus is. It was very encouraging here and I had some really good times. And due to my results here at the Universiade I’m exited about my prospects at the World Championship in Rome.
FISU Media: First time at the Universiade?
JD: ‘Yes, this is my first appearance at these Games. I was eligible in 2007 but there was a clash with the All-African Games and I went there.’
FISU Media: Olympics or Universiade?
JD: ‘The Olympics are on a larger scale. The best of the best are there. However, the Universiade is similar in many ways. The hospitality has been fantastic and there is less pressure here, but I’m getting more experienced to deal with pressure. I just focus on my own race and enjoy it.’
FISU Media: How important are these medals for Kenya
JD: ‘Our runners didn’t make it due to visa problems, so my brother and I are the only two athletes Kenya has here. And we have already three medals in the bag which is not bad for a two athletes-strong delegation. This gives Kenya some good exposure, all be it in another sports domain and it shows the youngsters back home that Kenya can excel also in non-traditional sports.’ – Christian Pierre
FISU President Killian congratulates Jason Dunford (KEN) with his silver medal on the 50m butterfly
