Qatar’s swimming prodigy Abdulaziz Al Obaidly during the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha edition.
DOHA: At the tender age of 16, Qatar’s swimming sensation Abdulaziz Al Obaidly is breaking new barriers with every passing competition.
In the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha edition that concluded on Saturday, the talented swimmer impressed all with his slick pace and balance as he competed against the world’s best at the Hamad Aquatic Centre.
Al Obaidly, who is a backstroke specialist, was not only convincing in his favourite category but was also outstanding in other events in the recently-concluded competition in which he broke several national records.
The highlights of his performances was a time of 1:01.87 in the elite men’s 100m backstroke final, achieving a commendable 6th position with Qatar’s best time.
The teenager, who represents Al Sadd Club, was also outstanding in the men’s 200m individual medley, where he is not even an expert. He displayed a stunning performance in the star-studded heats, and surprised many by qualifying for the final of the event. Al Obaidly then clocked 2:13.86 in the final to finish on a creditable 7th position.
“The FINA World Cup is my best competition in terms of performances so far as I set many new national records in the event,” Al Obaidly told The Peninsula in an interview.
“I am very happy with my times which will give me confidence in the future competitions.”
Just a month ago, Al Obaidly returned from a successful campaign in the Asian Games 2018 which was held in Indonesia. The rising star was among the youngest athletes in Team Qatar’s contingent in the continental event that proved to be the launching pad for his phenomenal show in Doha.
“Before this (FINA World Cup) event, my performances in the Asian Games were my best. I broke five national records in Indonesia. I seek improvement in every new competition, and I am happy that I am achieving that goal,” he said.
Olympic medal a dream for the promising Qatari
The young star dominated backstroke events at GCC competitions since 2015, before the Qatari swimmers missed this year’s regional championships due to the blockade.
The teenager, a fan of American superstar Michael Phelps, and South African swimming giant Chad Le Clos, aims to emulate the successful Olympians by shining at the Games.
“I want to take part in Olympics through qualification. I am eager to qualify instead of competing in Olympics as a wild card entrant. Tokyo Olympics (2020) is not very far but I will try my best to qualify. I am more hopeful to make it to 2024 Olympics (in Paris), as by that time I would be more experienced.
“Winning an Olympic medal for country is a dream of every athlete, and I am also looking forward to it,” said Al Obaidly.
“Qatar will be the host for FINA World Championships in 2023 and to do well in that event in front of the home fans is also my target,” he said.
Al Obaidly took the first plunge at 3
The Qatari speedster first made a splash when he was hardly able to speak a full sentence – at the age of just 3. He made it to the national camp when he was only 5 years old.
“My parents wanted me to become a swimmer. In the beginning I didn’t like swimming much but I developed interest by the time . Now swimming is my priority,” he said.
Al Obaidly’s father, who is a General Major at Ministry of Interior, and his mother, a Phd, are the driving force behind him becoming an international swimmer.
Both his parents also travel with him during international championships and training tours.
“It’s very motivating for me to have my parents around during tough challenges. This gives me more energy to do well.”
The Al Sadd swimmer is now preparing for the FINA Swimming World Cup Budapest edition which will be held from October 4 to 6.
“I am focusing on my next assignment where I want to improve my times, and I am looking forward to it,” he said.
