Baqlah smashes Jordan record in Rio

AMMAN — Teenage sensation Khader Baqlah set a new Jordan record on the way to winning his heat at the Rio Olympic Games 200m freestyle event on Sunday, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) News Service.

The 17-year-old got Jordan’s Olympic campaign off to a brilliant start, winning heat one in the Olympic Aquatics Centre in a time of 1:48.42, but it is unlikely to be a quick enough time to reach the semifinals.

”Wow, what an amazing experience that was,” Baqlah said after competing in front of over 7,000 spectators and smashing his record.

“My dreams came true today and to set a new record by more than a second is unbelievable.” HRH Prince Feisal, JOC president, was pool side in the Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro saying: “What a brilliant swim.

Khader knocked nearly five seconds off the Jordan 200m freestyle record in the past year and today all Jordanians should celebrate his achievement which has got us off to an excellent start here in Rio.

We can all be proud of Khader and of course all those working with him behind the scenes.” Next up for Jordan is judo star Ibrahim Khalaf who will take to the mats on Wednesday.