Karimi aims to become first Afghan swimmer at Worlds
The 18-year-old only made his international debut this month and now seeks to qualify for Mexico 2017. 12 Jun 2017![Mexico City 2017 - World Para Swimming - logo for stories Mexico City 2017 - logo for stories](/sites/default/files/styles/large_original/public/images/170613064318970_mexico%2Bcity%2B2017.jpg?itok=Nin9rC0x)
After competing at the World Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis, USA, last weekend, Mohammad Abas Karimi is now hoping to become Afghanistan’s first swimmer to compete at a World Para Swimming Championships.
The 18-year-old only made his international debut a week ago at the 2017 Jimi Flowers Classic before going on to compete in Indianapolis, where he swam against Brazil’s multiple-Paralympic champion Daniel Dias.
Even though he did not win, Karimi experienced for the first time what it feels like to compete against a world-class swimmer. He finished second in both the men’s 50m freestyle S5 with a time of 39.66 and the 100m freestyle S5 after clocking 1:44.95.
Although Karimi's long term dream is to win Paralympic gold, his more immediate aim is to line up at the World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico City, from 30 September-6 October.
Around 550 swimmers from more than 60 countries are expected to compete at the Francisco Marquez Olympic Swimming Pool, at the Mexico 2017 World Para Swimming Championships from 30 September-6 October.
Full story can be found online on 1TV Afghanistan’s website.