Ghana’s swimming sensation, Abieku Jackson has set a new African record in swimming at the just ended Africa Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria.

He competed in the men’s 100m butterfly and finished first with a time of 54.74secs to break the time that was held by South Africa. The result earned him a place in the finals of the competition.

His colleague, Abdullah Sowah, also competed in the 50m butterfly but failed to make it to the next round of his event.

Coach of the swimming team, Abbiw Jackson commended his swimmers on their performance, and urged them to perform better in their next competition. He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and support the team.

The African Youth Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years to complement the current All-Africa Games. It is eligible to athletes between the ages of 14 and 17.

It is thought to contribute to the development of African sport and to the growth of Olympic values, as well as act as a trial run for the Olympic Games. The first games was hosted by Rabat, Morocco.

The Games was created by Lassana Palenfo, current President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The idea came in 2006, but the very first African Youth Games only occurred in 2010. The second edition of the Games took place in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.