MEET OUR CHAMP – KHADER BAQLEH

Jordan swimming sensation Khader Baqleh has the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in his sights and is aiming to secure an A-qualifying time in the coming weeks.

The youngster moved to the USA to study after his impressive performance in Rio three years ago when he set a new Jordan record in the Olympic pool.

He has continued to improve, missing out on an Asian medal by just .09 of a second in Indonesia.

When did you start Swimming?

I started at the age of five and I became so addicted with the swimming pool so my family took me to the Sports City Club where I received extensive training.

Which was the first overseas championship you still remember?

It was the Asian Junior Championships in 2009 in Indonesia. I was 11 and it was so tough to achieve anything, but I did gain a good experience that helped me to move on.

How did it feel joining your sister for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro?

It was the first time that Jordanian siblings have competed at the Olympics. She was in London 2012, so her previous experience helped me to focus on my competition.

What is your ambition?

No doubt it is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics Games, my second Games in a row. I really want to achieve the A cut in the 200m Freestyle which I achieved in the Asian Games, so now I need to repeat it in the Tokyo qualifications.

Tell us about your training schedule

I’m training now in Florida University where I study. I have 10 sessions of training every week and my training companions come from all over the world. This helps me to gain the experience that I need to accomplish my dream.