Dubai: The UAE’s Al Jasmi brothers have found their names in the Guinness World Records for making up a national relay team in a world championship event.
The feat was achieved by Obaid, Saeed, Bakheet and Faisal Al Jasmi after the Abu Dhabi-based swimmers participated in the 4x100m relay during the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships (25 metres) held at the Hamdan Sports Complex on December 15, 2010.
The Guinness World Record has been ratified and the certificate was presented by Samer Khallouf, project manager, Guinness World Records at the official press conference for the Fina/Mastbank Swimming World Cup held on Saturday.
“We have been fastest in the Gulf and the Arab region and this is no big feat. Even being a world champion is not such a great thing though it is difficult. But getting one’s name in the Guinness World Records definitely is something that will remain forever,” Obaid, 33, the oldest of the four told Gulf News.
“This record is like a dream come true. Ever since I started my career as a swimmer I wanted to do something unique for my country and this feat will remain for a long time,” he added.
Though a regular feature on the UAE team at international competitions, Obaid has not been swimming from the beginning of the year, due to an illness. And though the Asian Games are due next month in Incheon, South Korea, the experienced swimmer doesn’t see himself at the continental competition.
“I am not even sure if I will return to the pool,” he said.
“Time alone will tell and I will decide what will be next for me,” Obaid added.