At the World Senior Para Swimming Championships, both of our representatives managed to qualify for the finals.
Ismail Zulfić was the first to jump into the pool, competing in the 50-meter backstroke.
The young swimmer from Zenica achieved a time of 38:13, thus qualifying for his first final on the world stage.
For Zulfić, known for his incredible story and successes from his youngest days, this is the crowning achievement of many years of work.
In his words after the race, one could feel immense joy, because this final is not just a sporting result, but also the fulfillment of a dream.
Just a few minutes later, his friend – Ismail Barlov – also competed in the qualifications.
Yesterday, on the first day of the championship, Barlov brought Bosnia and Herzegovina a silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke.
Encouraged by that great success, he swam the 150 meter medley this morning.
With a time of 3:23:99, he won a place among the top eight.
This secured his second final at this championship, which is an admirable result.
What is especially pleasing is the fact that both of our paraswimmers are at the top of world sports, and that at a competition that gathers the elite from all over the world.
The final races are already scheduled for today – Zulfić will swim at 11:41 a.m., while Barlov will jump into the pool just a few minutes later, at 11:50 a.m.
The atmosphere in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely positive for the team, because two finals in just one day represent a historic moment for our sport.
Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina has reason to follow the performances of the two Ismails with pride, regardless of the outcome of the final, and of course we all cheer for new medals.
