UAE’s Mubarak looks to make the cut for London Olympics

The UAE’s Mubarak Ahmed’s London Olympic dream might well come true if he makes the cut in the qualifiers of the second Dubai International Championships beginning from Feb.2-6 at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex.The Olympics qualifier for age groups promises to bring out the best from all swimmers. The championship being held at the world’s best sports complex has impressed debutants like Isabell Fisher, from Germany. “It’s my first time, the swimming complex is beautiful .It my first visit to Dubai. I swim the 100 m back stroke and I’m looking to grow every minute looking to make the cut for the Olympics qualifiers,” said Fisher.The competition is being used to improve on individual timings. The coaches have emphasis on picking up on their timings.Mubarak had great performance in the Arab games. He has improved over the few months and looks to make a big splash by qualifying for the Olympics.Most of the Federations from Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Tunis, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Turkomistan and Kenya will take part with huge numbers of swimmers attempting to realise their goals. Local and private clubs from UAE too are taking part in the championships. Ayman Saad, executive director UAE Swimming Federation, welcomed representatives of the swimming councils and all the swimmers. “The first two days swimming events will be held for children in the age group of U-10, U-11 and U-13. “The U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-17 events will take place the following days,” informed Saad. “We are always looking to lift swimming. This is the world’s best swimming complex where we have held successful events like the World Swimming Championships ,” said Tala Hussain, of the Dubai Sports Council. The best qualified referees have been assigned to supervise the championships.Sessions also are being held to increase the qualifications of the referees as this championship is approved from FINA and qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The ‘Swiss Timing’ the highest officiating technology will be in use during the championships.