Key Points:
- Ghanaian swimmers Jada Yankey and Rihanna Yankey have won the Newham & University of East London Swimming Club International Awards.
- The awards recognise athletes representing their countries at international competitions.
- Jada won silver in the 400m freestyle at the Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships in Accra.
- Ghana’s junior team claimed 43 medals at the Accra championships.
- Rihanna represented Ghana at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Otopeni, Romania.
- The recognition highlights the growing international reputation of Ghana’s young swimmers.
- Both sisters are being celebrated for enhancing Ghanaian representation in international swimming.
- The awards were presented during the club’s end-of-year celebration in London.
- Ghana’s swimming officials and global sports communities have applauded the honour.
- The achievement reflects a broader expansion of African participation in competitive global swimming.
Why were Jada and Rihanna Yankey honoured by the Newham & UEL Swimming Club?
The Newham & UEL Swimming Club International Award acknowledges athletes who carry their national flags to international events and embody excellence both in and out of the pool.
According to Newham & UEL head coach Chris Skelly, quoted by BBC Ghana Sports on 21 December 2025,
“Jada and Rihanna have not only represented Ghana with exceptional poise but also become role models for multicultural integration in sport. Their success reflects the club’s commitment to developing international talent.”
The award was announced to applause at the club’s East London recreation hall, where over 150 swimmers, parents, and coaches gathered to celebrate the year’s achievements.
How did Jada Yankey perform on the international stage in 2025?
As reported by Esi Benewaah of Ghanaian Times (Accra Edition, 18 June 2025), Jada Yankey delivered a championship-calibre performance at the Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships held in Accra earlier this year. Competing against a strong field including swimmers from Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, Jada captured silver in the 400m freestyle, establishing herself as one of Ghana’s most consistent freestyle contenders.
During the event, the Ghanaian junior team amassed a total of 43 medals — a significant uplift from their 2024 showing, illustrating a gradual but meaningful rise in West African swimming competitiveness.
Jada’s performance also earned her a commendation from the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA), with President Del Vincent Odotei stating (as published by Graphic Sports Online, 19 June 2025),
“Young athletes like Jada remind us that Ghana’s talent pool runs deep. Her dedication is exemplary for the next generation of swimmers.”
What did Rihanna Yankey achieve at the World Aquatics Junior Championships?
According to Sports Brief journalist Emmanuel Ayamga (reporting on 15 August 2025), Rihanna Yankey represented Ghana at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Otopeni, Romania — an event showcasing top-tier talent from over 100 nations.
Although she did not medal, Rihanna’s participation marked a major step forward for Ghana’s female swimmers on the world stage. Competing in both freestyle and butterfly events, she posted personal best times and reached the semifinals in the 100m butterfly, making her one of the youngest Ghanaians ever to progress to that round at a major world championship.
In comments shared with BBC Africa Sport after the event, Rihanna expressed gratitude for the support she has received from both her British-based club and the Ghanaian community abroad. She said,
“It’s a privilege to represent Ghana. The experience in Romania taught me a lot about competing with the world’s best — I’m motivated to keep improving.”
How has the recognition impacted Ghana’s swimming community?
As documented by Citi Sports Ghana in a feature released on 21 December 2025, the recognition has sparked celebration within Ghana’s swimming circles, with calls for increased support for young athletes training abroad.
Ghana Swimming Association General Secretary Abu Alhassan told Citi Sports,
“These awards from London reaffirm the value of Ghana’s young athletes abroad. The Yankey sisters are ambassadors for the sport, and their achievements underline the potential Ghana has when our athletes are supported with proper facilities and coaching.”
Swimming advocates have further urged public-private partnerships to develop more robust training infrastructure within Ghana. Sports analyst Gary Al-Smith (writing for MyJoyOnline, 22 December 2025) commented,
“What the Yankey sisters have achieved from the UK base underscores why exposure and consistent competition matter. Ghana must leverage such dual-domicile athletes — bridging local and global training systems.”
What makes the Newham & University of East London club significant in British and African swimming links?
Founded over two decades ago, the Newham & UEL Swimming Club has been instrumental in providing competitive pathways for young athletes of diverse backgrounds, many of whom go on to represent Britain or their countries of origin.
According to London Sports Weekly (December Edition 2025), the club has cultivated a strong partnership with UEL Sports Science Faculty, integrating advanced training monitoring, video analytics, and mental performance coaching into its athlete development framework.
“This is a club that believes in holistic development,”
said Dr Helen McPherson, Head of Sport at UEL.
“When our Ghanaian swimmers earn international acclaim, it reflects not just their hard work but the synergy between education, sport science, and community inclusivity.”
What are Jada and Rihanna Yankey planning next in their swimming careers?
In an interview published by Pulse Ghana Sports (20 December 2025), Jada revealed that she aims to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Games, while Rihanna hopes to improve her world ranking through upcoming European junior circuit events.
The sisters — both students in London’s East End — train under Coach Chris Skelly and have incorporated specialised endurance programmes inspired by elite British swimmers. Their dual identity as Ghanaians living and training in the UK continues to inspire young athletes across both continents.
Rihanna told Pulse Ghana,
“We’re proud to see Ghana’s flag raised at major events. Every race is an opportunity to build visibility for swimmers back home.”
What does this recognition mean for African representation in global swimming?
According to a commentary by African Sports Review (December 2025 issue), the Yankey sisters’ recognition signals a progressive moment for African swimmers — groups historically underrepresented at global aquatic championships.
The publication highlighted that the rising number of African-born or African-heritage swimmers training in Europe, such as South Africa’s Lara van Niekerk and Egypt’s Farida Osman, serve as beacons for a new generation. Ghana’s inclusion in that conversation, thanks to Jada and Rihanna, demonstrates an expanding competitive footprint for the continent.
World Aquatics development officer Thomas Samuels, quoted by Inside the Games, remarked,
“Africa’s participation rate in youth swimming is growing year-on-year. Stories like the Yankeys’ show how access, diaspora support, and cross-continental training can ignite excellence.”
How did Ghanaians react to the news of the London recognition?
Reaction within Ghana was overwhelmingly positive. Social media feeds, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), were filled with congratulatory messages from fans, athletes, and sports administrators.
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) posted via its verified account,
“Congratulations to Jada and Rihanna Yankey — your hard work and international recognition embody Ghana’s growing presence in aquatic sports.”
Meanwhile, journalist Owuraku Ampofo of TV3 Ghana tweeted,
“The Yankey sisters’ recognition in London is proof that Ghana’s sporting narrative is diversifying beyond football and athletics. Swimming deserves more national spotlight.”
Could this recognition inspire future generations of Ghanaian swimmers?
Experts believe so. As BBC Ghana Sport reported on 22 December 2025, initiatives are already underway within local swimming academies to emulate the Yankeys’ training pathways.
Coach James Ofori, head of the Ghana Aquatic Aspire Programme, stated,
“Young swimmers across Accra and Kumasi now look to Jada and Rihanna as examples that international recognition is attainable, even for athletes from emerging swimming nations.”
This milestone may also attract sponsorships, with brands exploring partnerships with young athletes who blend international performance with national pride.
