Staff Reporter
TEAM Namibia continued to make its presence felt at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes delivering record-breaking performances in swimming, securing a place in the long jump final, and competing strongly in athletics and bowls.
Sprinter Charley Matundu represented Namibia in the men’s 100m, clocking 10.50 seconds in Round 1 – Heat 4. Despite challenging conditions, including cold weather and an unfavourable outside lane, Matundu finished strongly and reflected positively on the experience of competing on the Commonwealth stage.
“The race was fine, really. It was a bit cold compared to the weather, and the wind also played a factor. Lane eight is not a good lane, but I managed to run third place from the outside lane,” Matundu said.
He added that he would return to training with renewed focus and determination.
“I’ll just go back to training, put in more effort and come back stronger,” he said.
Namibia’s swimmers produced another outstanding session in the pool, with Jessica Humphrey and Oliver Durand both setting new national records.
Humphrey set a new Namibian Open Record and 17–18 age-group record in the women’s 50m backstroke, touching the wall in 29.08 seconds to qualify for the semi-finals.
Durand also produced a record-breaking swim in the men’s 200m butterfly, setting a new Namibian Open Record and 17–18 age-group record with a time of 2:01.84.
Luke Beukes delivered a strong performance in the men’s 100m freestyle, finishing sixth in Heat 6 of 9 with a time of 50.69 seconds.
Team Namibia praised the support from spectators in Glasgow and supporters back home, saying the encouragement had inspired the swimmers throughout the competition.
“The loudest lane wasn’t in the pool, it was in the stands,” Team Namibia said, thanking supporters for their energy and continued backing.
Meanwhile, Lionel Coetzee secured his place in the men’s long jump final after recording a best leap of 7.66m during qualification.
Coetzee finished 11th overall, progressing to the final after a series that included an invalid first jump, followed by efforts of 7.62m and 7.66m.
Reflecting on his achievement, Coetzee said reaching the final at his first Commonwealth Games was a proud moment.
“I just wanted to make it to the final, and job done. I jumped against Olympic medalists and world championship medalists, so I’m super excited and happy,” he said.
Coetzee said he would carry Namibia’s flag with pride in the final and thanked supporters for their encouragement.
“Every text message or comment wishing us good luck means a lot to us,” he said.
In bowls, Waylon Wentzel fought hard in the men’s singles competition against the Isle of Man but narrowly missed out on victory.
Wentzel lost the opening set 3-8 before pushing his opponent closely in the second set, eventually going down 7-8.
Despite the defeat, Team Namibia praised Wentzel’s determination and fighting spirit on the greens as the country’s athletes continue their Glasgow 2026 campaign.
Photos: Namibia National Olympic Committee
