Olympic champion Chad Le Clos and the Al Jasmi brothers were the highlights of the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival as over 1,000 people competed in the nation’s capital.
Le Clos, taking part as an honorary entrant, was the first to cross the finish line in the Abu Dhabi Mile early in the morning and later teamed up with Emirati brothers the Al Jasmis for the 300m, four-person adult relay, which was won by the UAE Swimming Team.
“It’s really exactly what I thought it would be and hoped it would be. I think it’s fantastic that there were a lot of kids and support for everybody,” Le Clos told Sport360°. “I didn’t expect it to be so big, if I’m honest. I’m just happy I could play my part and hopefully pull swimming up in the UAE, that’s my goal.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here now and have good relations with people here, so in a way, I’ve made this spot my second home.”
The capital’s largest community swimming event saw people of all ages and abilities take part, from young kids to competitive swimmers. Le Clos believes the festival was an indication of the amount of swimming talent in the region.
“There are a lot of kids that can do better,” said the current FINA Male Swimmer of the Year. “I do believe that there is a lot of potential here. I think they just need the right guidance and the right motivation to work hard. There are a lot of keen swimmers I’ve met along the way.”
Obaid Al Jasmi, who also swam in the Abu Dhabi Mile, said: “The event was fantastic – a really enjoyable day. It’s great that swimming is growing in profile in the UAE thanks to events like these and the support of Chad Le Clos.”
The official winners of the event’s longest race were Abdullah Al Balooshi of the UAE Swimming Team and Danielle Hatcher of Hamilton Aquatics, who each earned return tickets to Rome or Milan, courtesy of Etihad Airways.
The 16-year-old Hatcher also won the 800m Adult Splash Dash in the final race of the day, despite having a tougher time with the shorter half mile.
Yasssine Elshammaa joined Hatcher as the male winner of the 800m, while Paul Clement and Charlotte Cunningham won the 500m, Laith Abulailla and Isabelle Darling claimed the 300m, and Adam Bebars and Mackenzie Coetzee finished first in the 100m.
In the Family Fun Challenge, parents and children joined forces for the relay format, with kids swimming 100m and the parents distancing 300m. Al Ain Club’s Hamad Khalfan and Ahmed Khalfan were the top finishers.
Spectators were also able to enjoy activities in the entertainment village, which had a splash pool area, climbing wall, super surfing board and pro slide wave.
Sven Rohte, chief commercial officer at National Health Insurance Company – Daman, said: “The event is all about encouraging a healthier community, inspiring young swimmers and showcasing swimming as a sport for everyone. It was a great day which had something for all the family, which is what it was all about.”
