Khader Baqlah to launch Jordan’s Olympic campaign

AMMAN — Seventeen-year-old swimmer Khader Baqlah will launch Jordan’s campaign at the Olympic Games when he looks to set a new National record in the 200m freestyle on Sunday, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service.

The youngster is the first ever Jordanian to have reached an Olympic Games with a qualifying B time, and he finds himself in the unusual position of starting in Lane 4 for his heat with the quickest time.

“Training has gone very well over the past week since I arrived in Rio and I am just looking forward now to competing,” said Baqlah. “This is a dream come true for me to be here. I have really enjoyed the experience so far.

“I am feeling really good so I am going to try and set a new Jordan record which will improve my world ranking as well.”

Baqlah has been in superb form over the last 12 months and has managed to shave an incredible four seconds off his personal best time over the 200m distance.

His current best of 1:49.55 was set only last month in Hungary and a similar swim in Rio could see him win his heat and reach the second round.

Khader is the younger brother of Talita who will be going in the 50m freestyle later this week. His heat is scheduled for 1pm Rio time (7pm Jordanian time).