Inspired by Kipchoge: Meet Sara Mose, Poland-based Kenyan swimmer
What you need to know:
- Born in Poland to a Kenyan father, 18-year-old Sara Mose has represented Kenya in swimming since 2023, participating in numerous international events including World Championships, and is now moving to the USA for advanced training and studies with the ultimate goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Mose attributes her success to dedication, family support, and the pride of representing Kenya.
- Inspired by Kenyan athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Mose is determined to elevate the profile of swimming in Kenya.
Born in Poland 18 years ago to a Kenyan father Douglas Mose and Polish mother Magdalena Miszczyk-Mose, Sara Mose has been representing Kenya in swimming since 2023. Sara started swimming 13 years ago and has participated in international events such as Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago (2023), All African Games in Ghana, African Junior Championships in Mauritius (2023), African Championships in Angola (2024) and World Aquatics Championships in Hungary (2024).
The first-born from a family of three children has been training in Poland where she lives with her family, but after graduating from high school early 2025, she is moving to the USA for further studies and to sharpen her swimming skills. Her big dream is to represent Kenya at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Training in Poland must be quite different from Kenya, how has this impacted your performance and mindset as a swimmer?
It has been a learning journey. I’ve changed schools several times in search of better training environments. I’m proud to represent Kenya—it’s given me the opportunity to grow and compete internationally.
What have been your biggest takeaways from competing on international stages like the 2024 World Championships in Hungary?
It was an honour. I learned a lot from watching top swimmers—their preparation, focus, and discipline. It was inspiring and gave me new motivation.
Looking back, what has contributed most to your development as one of Kenya’s top swimmers?
My dedication, my family’s support, and the pride I have in representing Kenya. Every day I work to be better.
How do you manage life as a student-athlete and stay motivated?
I have a big dream, and that drives me. My parents motivate me, too. Homeschooling taught me how to manage my time effectively. I train early, study during the day, then return to training—pool, gym, dry land workouts. It’s all about structure.
What challenges have you faced in your swimming journey?
It is frustrating when the results don’t match the effort I’ve put in, but I stay positive and work on my weaknesses. Access to pools and good coaching has also proved to be hard. A supportive, knowledgeable coach is vital.
Swimming doesn’t get as much of the spotlight in Kenya as athletics or football, has that motivated or frustrated you?
That, in itself, is motivating. I want to show that swimming can be just as impactful. Every day I work hard to prove that swimmers can excel and raise the sport’s profile in Kenya.
How does it feel to represent Kenya on the global stage?
It’s fulfilling. Wearing the Kenyan colours, competing abroad—it fills me with pride. I enjoy the journey, the teammates, and the support from Kenyans.
You were born and brought up in Poland. Why did you choose Kenya?
Kenyan athletes inspired me, especially long-distance runners. Watching them sparked my desire to be part of Team Kenya. I want to inspire others and show that in Kenya, there are many talented swimmers.
Mention some of the Kenyan athletes who inspire you…
Athletes Eliud Kipchoge, Beatrice Chebet, Ferdinand Omanyala, and the late Kelvin Kiptum. Their passion and discipline drive me.
What are your long-term goals in swimming?
To qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in USA and 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. I want to continue improving, break national records, and showcase Kenyan talent internationally.
What are you doing to ensure you get to those events?
I plan to move to the US for advanced training. I also hope to get financial support from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya to help with travel and exposure.
Who are your biggest role models in swimming?
Sarah Sjostrom from Sweden—she swims in my category, and holds a number of world records. In Kenya, David Dunford stands out. He holds the men’s 50m freestyle national record.
Tell us about some of your achievements and what it took to earn them…
Last year, I competed in the World Championships and placed fourth in 50m freestyle at the African Championships in Angola, and set Kenyan records in my age group. I’ve also medaled in Polish nationals and Grand Prix events. Achieving all that takes relentless hard work, belief in oneself, and ambition.
What does it take to get those wins and records?
Hard work, belief, and consistency. You need to be ambitious—even a bit “delusional”—to dream big. Daily effort, family support, and positivity make the difference.
What is your main event and personal best?
I love the 50m Freestyle long course. My personal best is 25.97. The Kenyan record is 25.82, held by Maria Brunlehner. I’m close, and my goal is to break it.
What’s your typical day as a swimmer like?
I wake up at 5am or 6am, train in the pool, then go for online classes or tuition. In the afternoon, I go to the gym or do dry land training. I make time to stretch, hydrate, eat well, and recover, then I have another swimming session in the evening.
What’s your favourite food when you visit Kenya?
Chapati with eggs and avocado—sometimes bacon. When in Poland, I swap chapati for bread. For dinner, I enjoy samosa, chicken curry, beef curry, and mandazi. I also love local fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and the small sweet bananas.
Besides English, what other languages do you know?
I speak Polish fluently, some French, and I’m learning Swahili. I know basics like jambo, habari yako, mzuri sana, and I’m working on expanding my Swahili vocabulary.
What advice would you give to young Kenyan swimmers like yourself dreaming of international competition?
Work hard, stay consistent, and never give up. Set small goals and keep pushing. Believe in yourself even when it’s hard.
Besides swimming, what are you passionate about?
I used to run in track events, but chose swimming because I love water. I have an interest in sports psychology and want to help athletes mentally, maybe as a psychologist or coach.
What message do you have for your Kenyan fans?
Thank you for the support. It gives me purpose and strength to keep going. Keep believing in yourselves—be ambitious and work hard to achieve your dreams, whatever they are.
When you were younger, what did you want to be?
I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted to help people. Now I’m drawn to supporting athletes through psychology or coaching. I understand the pressures they face, and I want to contribute to their mental well-being.
Lastly, Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe, is now the International Olympic Committee president. How does that make you feel?
It gives me hope, especially for African swimming. Having someone at the top who understands the sport and our struggles is encouraging. I believe this can push aquatics forward across Africa, especially with better facilities and support.