Four brothers create world record for UAE

DUBAI - The UAE entered the Guinness Book of World Records on Wednesday after four brothers took part in a swimming championship for the first time in history.

By Alex Leach

Published: Thu 16 Dec 2010, 12:37 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Feb 2023, 8:57 AM

Obaid Al Jasmi and his siblings Saeed, Bakhit and Faisal raced in the second men’s 4x100m freestyle relay heat of the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex.

The Emirati quartet clocked 3:35.72s to finish 15th of the 16 competing nations, although the whole experience will clearly live longer in their collective memories than the actual result.

Obaid said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve done and happy we’ll be in history. It’s what we’ve dreamt of.

“We did our best in the race and did a good time. But, the most important thing is that we represented the UAE.”

He added: “It’s awesome out there. It’s amazing. All of the swimmers are very happy and excited; I can see that from their eyes. This venue really is like an oasis in the middle of the desert.”

Faisal enthused: “It’s not just an achievement for us; it’s an achievement for the UAE and it’s very special.”

The Al Jasmi family were not the only nationals to do themselves proud either, with Mubarek Al Besher (54th, 1:03.23s) and Mohamed Jasim (65th, 1:06.20s) also excelling in the fourth qualifier of the men’s 100m breaststroke.

“It was a really hard competition for me, competing against different swimmers from all around the world,” Jasim admitted.

“But, I broke my personal best and it’s an honour for me that the event is being hosted in Dubai.”

Al Besher conceded: “It was a really hard competition. I broke my personal best. I’m really happy that the event is being hosted in my home country.”

Meanwhile, compatriot Ali al Kaabi (59.71s) – who came 61st in the qualifying for the men’s 100m backstroke – added: “I really enjoyed it out there and I’m happy with my time.”