Abubakar shatters national swimming record

Ridhwan Abubakar. [File]

During Olympic qualifiers, there is pure happiness and another ultimate letdown as this is usually the cruel reality of the trials.

At the trials, screams of jubilations and tears of disappointment are common as to some athletes, this is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.

However, for Kenya's new kid on the block Ridhwan Abubakar, Olympic qualifiers came at the right time after he shattered a national record and increased his FINA points, which enabled him to hit the Olympic qualifying points.

Abubakar, who is based in the UK, was a man full of happiness on Friday after he produced an incredible performance during the Vienna swimming championship.

Abubakar proved he has set his eyes on the 2024 Paris Olympic games after he won a silver medal in the men's 400m freestyle race.

Abubakar achieved the remarkable feat after he touched the finish line in a time of 4.0565 to set a new national record.

The former Bandari swimming club swimmer under coach Fakry Mansoor lowered his own record of 4.06.44 he set on February 11 this year at the World Swimming Championship in Doha.

Abubakar's outstanding performance has elevated his World Aquatic Points from 712 to 719, placing him at the top of the rankings for Olympic qualification points.

"Abubakar is set for the Olympic games and he needs support and encouragement in pursuit of his excellence," said Mansoor.