Abu Dhabi: UAE Olympian Obaid Al Jasmi would never have imagined his swimming skills could actually help him win a major multi-sport event, but that’s exactly what happened at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
No, the 28-year-old did not win the elite competition but, along with compatriots Humaid Mehrab and Mubarak Rehan, he helped Abu Dhabi Sports Council win the 111.5km short-course relay event in three hours, 20 minutes and 45 seconds.
Al Jasmi said the trio are not new to the swim, bike and run sport, having competed in several local competitions before. But the opportunity to test themselves against quality triathletes from around the globe proved just too good to resist.
“The competition was in Abu Dhabi and I wanted to do something for my country,” said Al Jasmi. “I wanted to participate in this competition.
“We have taken part in many triathlon competitions and won many times, so we said we will try this competition because it is on a world level. Thank God we won it.”
“I have swum in competitions in the sea. It is nothing new for me. The good thing here was I was swimming against some world class triathlon competitors. When I saw these guys, I motivated myself. We always thought we should come first and we did it,” he added.
The success seems to have coaxed Al Jasmi into keeping his future options open. “For me it was fun, but competitive fun. I like this kind of competition and maybe in the future if I stop swimming, who knows maybe I could become an Ironman,” he said before quickly reassuring any worried officials in the UAE Swimming Association.
Olympic dream
“For now I’m thinking about swimming. I want to participate in London 2012. All my focus now is on that. But that’s my long-term objective. My short-term goal is the 2010 World Championship in Dubai in December. I’m preparing for that and I hope to do something for my country. The federation has brought a new coach from Ukraine. We have just started with him since two weeks and we still have time for the world championship,” he said.
