Ten-year-old swimming sensation Unashe Shoko transitioned seamlessly from domestic dominance to international acclaim after a record-breaking performance at the South Africa Level 2 Regional Swimming Championships.
Competing at the Delville Pool in Germiston from March 29 to April 2, the Young Shark secured a staggering 10 medals and dismantled five national records in his first-ever international assignment.
Shoko’s haul—consisting of one gold, five silver, and four bronze—proved that the Eaglesvale Preparatory School prodigy is no longer just a local star, but a rising force in African swimming.
Shoko’s performance was nothing short of historic as he raced against time, erasing records that had stood for decades.
In the 100m freestyle, he broke an 11-year record set in 2015 (1.12.11 vs 1.13.22), while his 50m backstroke time of 37.08 broke a nine-year mark set in 2017.
He also eclipsed a 19-year-old record in the 100m backstroke (1.24.63 vs 1.26.30) and a 30-year-old record in the 50m butterfly set in 1996 (35.24 vs 36.06).
His gold medal performance in the 100m butterfly saw him break a 25-year-old record set in 2001 with a time of 1.23.63.
Harare Amateur Swimming was quick to celebrate the feat, announcing on their Facebook page: "A very very special shout out to Unashe Shoko that has broken five national records- 100freestyle, 50 back, 100 back, 50 fly, 100fly (just needs to be ratified). But we are beyond proud of the young shark on this achievement."
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Despite his towering achievements, Shoko remains remarkably grounded. Reflecting on his haul, the young student admitted he exceeded even his own expectations.
"l feel very happy. No l didn't really think so.l though I was going to get five or six,” he said.
“I feel proud of myself and humbled at the same time, and grateful for the support from my parents, coaches team mates, siblings and other teams around Africa, in particular Botswana.
“Their cheering almost made me cry in my finals. My big dream is to go to Olympics and represent Zimbabwe.”
For his father, Persy Shoko, watching his son thrive in uncharted territory was an emotional experience.
"Wow, it's an amazing moment. The feeling is beyond comprehension. On the other hand, the challenge gets even greater given that the talent is in infancy hence the need to nurture it," Persy remarked.
"We went there being our first time, our main goal was to explore new territory and above all enjoy the moment. Yes it was for the first time he was competing outside the country."
The young star’s individual medal haul included silver in the 200m IM, 100m freestyle, 50m back, 100m back, and 50m butterfly, alongside bronze medals in the 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
He added to his collection with two bronze medals in the men 12 and under 4 by 50m freestyle and 4 by 50m medley relays.
With the South African championships marking the end of a successful season, the Shoko family is prioritising rest before diving back into the deep end.
"It was the last competition for the season. We are going for break. We will take some time off. To resume training on the next season in August," Persy confirmed.
As Shoko hangs up his goggles for the winter, the Zimbabwean swimming community is left in awe of a 10-year-old who possesses the poise of a veteran and the hunger of a champion.
