Out of Africa…a story of 2 swimming brothers

David has reached many International finals. At the London Games this summer, he intends to final in the 50m "big one!" (photo courtesy: David Dunford)

For many swimming enthusiasts, even before the Beijing Olympics, there has been a noticeably slow–yet interesting rise of swimming stars coming from the African continent. Most of the impact from the African nations has been primarily that of  South Africa. Of course there was a huge media attention derived from the incredible performances of Kirsty Conventry during the 2004 Olympics in Athens and continued through to the World Champs in 2009. This summer in London, however, Jason Dunford and David Dunford plan on making finals and pushing the limit as far as they can…maybe even a podium position for a son of Kenya!

 

Chris Morgan is a swimming coach in search of the next pool, the next set, and the most creative workouts. Follow him on Twitter @swim4chris

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Swimfan
12 years ago

Jason and dave are true gentlemen, and are a sporting inspiration to us all!

JackedAndTan
12 years ago

What is “breastroke” ?

Reply to  JackedAndTan
12 years ago

Ouuf! My bad! Sorry about that JACKEDANDTAN….late night editing to get the video out there. Did not catch the spelling mistake. “breastroke” is of course breaststroke. Apologies

HAT
12 years ago

A pair of stand up lads. That is all.

HAT
12 years ago

A pair of sand up lads. That is all.

ScubaSteve
12 years ago

To write off Jason Dunford as either a swimmer or a person because of what happened at World Championships is a huge mistake.

Nadador, you seem to think that the governing bodies (either FINA or the Brazilian Federation) are free of flaws, or at that you should accept the system’s decision, even if it is flawed. At best your are naive, at worst, you are a fascist. If you think that monetary considerations to both didn’t come into the decision to let Cesar swim (or any other decision by FINA or an NGB for that matter), I have a tropical island in Ottawa to sell you. Under your view, we shouldn’t protest what by all accounts seems to be… Read more »

Nadador
12 years ago

Mr. Dunford’s actions towards Cielo in Shanghai were very uncalled for: think what you may, Cielo had been cleared from all wrong-doing by the ultimate instance of the sport

To still dispute that ruling with an inelegant outburst during the race was at minimum wanting of good sportsmanship.

Were Mr. Dunford’s understanding that he was denied something, there were a plethora of other appropriate actions he could have taken.

Such behavior may have expressed his personal feelings (and, I am sure, the feelings of many in the sport – including my own), but it did more: it showed he had no respect for the governing bodies of the sport of which he is an athlete. It also showed he… Read more »

Stefan
Reply to  Nadador
12 years ago

Wasn’t it the Brazil federation who levied the penalties? After having their 8th elite/semi-elite swimmer test positive in 18 months? Don’t you think there’s something fishy going on down there?

Nadador
Reply to  Stefan
12 years ago

Yes, I do. The entire episode was fishy. And I think the Brazilian Federation (CBDA) is mostly to blame: their behavior was very questionable. So much so that FINA questioned it.

scubasteve
Reply to  Nadador
12 years ago

The only problem I have with Jason’s actions at World Champs was that some people now think he lacks class, and that he is aconcerned sore loser when the truth is that he and his brother both ooze class from their pores. I don’t think it’s a crime to express your emotions, even in such a public venue. Should he be commended for it? Probably not. It doesn’t take much effort to make a gesture like that, though it does require some courage and belief in your values. But to say that he should respect the decision of FINA or Brazilian Federation and leave it be is to assume that the system doesn’t have any flaws, which is a very… Read more »

Nadador
Reply to  scubasteve
12 years ago

I never said he should “leave it be”: au contraire: I said he should “respect” and pursue other ways to amend whatever it is he thinks is wrong. That’s how the law works.

About Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan has just recently moved back to the United States after a successful 14 year coaching carreer in Europe, primarily in Switzerland. Chris is currently the assistant coach at Harvard University working with the women's swimming and diving team. Chris began his career at Stanford University learning from one …

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