Abeku Jackson and Nubia Adjei Deliver Impressive Performances at Russia’s Salnikov Cup

Ghanaian swimmers Abeku Jackson and Nubia Adjei capped off an eventful December with outstanding performances at the 18th Salnikov Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia, held from December 19 to 21. Competing against top-tier international swimmers, the duo delivered impressive results, further establishing Ghana’s growing presence in global swimming.
Abeku Jackson’s Butterfly Brilliance
Abeku Jackson, 24, made a notable impact in the men’s 100m butterfly event, qualifying for the B finals after an impressive performance in the heats. He clocked 53.50 seconds, improving to 53.42 seconds in the final. Although Russian swimmer Pavel Samusenko claimed the top spot, Jackson’s resilience and skill stood out, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.
In the 50m butterfly event, Jackson narrowly missed the finals, finishing 17th with a time of 23.74 seconds. His result earned him a reserve spot, just outside the top 16. This performance came on the heels of a grueling schedule for Jackson, who had recently competed at the World Aquatics 25m Swimming Championships in Budapest. Despite the packed calendar, Jackson’s performances at the Salnikov Cup proved his capability to compete against the best.
Jackson’s journey in the competition began on Thursday with the 50m freestyle preliminaries. He recorded a time of 23.24 seconds, which, although short of his personal best of 22.60 seconds, was a solid result given the circumstances of his demanding schedule.
Nubia Adjei’s Impressive Backstroke Performances
UK-based swimmer Nubia Adjei, 21, also delivered strong performances at the Salnikov Cup, earning commendable points in the 50m and 100m backstroke events. In the 50m backstroke, she scored 598 points, and in the 100m backstroke, she earned 560 points. Both results demonstrated her consistent ability to compete at a high level on the international stage.
Adjei began her campaign with a personal best of 27.17 seconds in the 50m freestyle, surpassing her previous World Aquatics record of 27.58 seconds. This impressive swim set the tone for the rest of her competition. In the 50m backstroke, she posted a time of 29.96 seconds, which was slightly off her personal best of 29.87 seconds set in Hungary the previous week. Despite this, her performances showcased her dedication and potential for future success.
A Competitive Global Field
The Salnikov Cup attracted top swimmers from across the globe, including athletes from Madagascar, Armenia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kazakhstan, as well as several Russian states. While Russian swimmers dominated the medal podium, both Jackson and Adjei managed to make a significant impression, leaving their mark on the competition. Their stellar performances served as a testament to their growth and potential as swimmers, closing out 2024 with impressive results.
Looking Ahead to 2025
After a demanding December filled with international competitions, Jackson and Adjei will take a well-deserved rest before preparing for a packed 2025 swimming calendar. Among the upcoming events they will compete in are the Africa Aquatics Juniors, AA Zone 2 Open Water, and WA Championships, along with other prestigious swimming tournaments across the globe.
Farida Ayishatu Iddriss, Treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Association, reflected on the year’s achievements and highlighted the progress of Ghanaian swimming. “It’s been a fantastic year, from winning our first African Games medals in swimming to earning multiple finalist spots. We also secured medals at the Africa Swimming Championships in Angola and hosted 18 countries for the AA Zone 2 Championships, winning over 50 medals. We aim to achieve even more in 2025,” she said.
Both Jackson and Adjei have firmly established themselves as key figures in Ghana’s swimming scene, and their performances at the Salnikov Cup further solidify their potential for success in future competitions. With their dedication, hard work, and talent, they are poised to make a significant impact on the international swimming stage in 2025.