A bright Olympian spirit

Obaid Al Jasmi aims to go on carrying the UAE’s flag at the highest level of competitive swimming, Ramola Talwar Badam reports.

Obaid Al Jasmi is determined to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

ABU DHABI // Emirati Olympian Obaid Al Jasmi is always setting himself goals. The swimmer has his sights on the 2016 games and is determined to overcome the back pain that curtailed his training this year.

After representing the UAE in the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2008 Beijing games and breaking dozens of national, Asian and GCC records, he is also aiming to remain the country’s top swimmer when he is 40.

“I still feel I’m hungry. I want to do something for my country and myself,” said Al Jasmi, 33, who recently resumed training after a spinal disc ailment.

“It’s all about challenging myself. The Olympics is the biggest, and everyone dreams to be there.”

Al Jasmi’s path to Olympic swimming greatness began in earnest at 13. He set a slew of national records that younger swimmers are, as yet, unable to break.

As an adult, his 100-metre freestyle national best at the 2008 Beijing games of 53.29 seconds bettered his record of 53.7.

His national record of 4 minutes12 seconds in the 400 metre freestyle at the President’s Swimming Championship in 2010 still stands.

“The 100 metre butterfly is my favourite because at 55 seconds it’s still ahead of other swimmers. In the 200 metre individual medley, I like my time of 2 minutes 5 seconds because others took 2.15 or 2.17.”

Many of his junior records still stand, including the 38 seconds for the 50 metre backstroke set when he was 10 – two years after he joined the national team.

In 1987 he entered the pool with his brothers when his father insisted they take up the sport instead of football.

His five brothers have also worn UAE colours. The Jasmis entered the Guinness Book of Records when Obaid and younger brothers Saeed, Bakhit and Faisal participated in the 4x100 metres freestyle relay at the 2010 Fina World Swimming Championships. They became the first brother quartet to compete in the Short Course Worlds.

They thrive on challenges.

“In competition, I don’t know my brothers. Before, I encourage them to do their best. But when we stand on the blocks, it’s in my mind and heart that I am number 1,” Al Jasmi said. “I will not let my brothers, my friends, anyone beat me.”

This is echoed by Saeed, 32.

“When I swim with Obaid I feel I’m with the best swimmer and want to beat him,” he said. “I sometimes beat him in training but I don’t know what happens in competitions.”

Injuries have cropped up before major competitions for Al Jasmi. Months before the 2012 Olympics he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare condition that caused a rapid heartbeat.

He dived back into the pool three weeks after surgery but doctors said competing in the games was not worth the risk. His targets now are the GCC championships next year and Olympic qualification.

His parents stressed the importance of education and Al Jasmi, like two of his brothers, has a Masters degree.

He has three sisters: one is a doctor, one a teacher and the third works in nuclear energy.

“Sport will end, so you should have a plan,” he said. “I’m planning to study more. Education is important for all, but for athletes it is a must. I want all swimmers, athletes to have that.”