UAE’s Hussain Shawqi sets record, wins gold at Asian Youth

UAE national team swimmer Hussain Shawqi delivered a golden performance at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, claiming first place in the 50m butterfly with a record-breaking time of 24.73 seconds. The victory marks a historic moment for the UAE, as Shawqi set a new benchmark for the event — the fastest time ever recorded in its history.

The Emirati champion displayed remarkable pace and precision in the final, finishing 0.24 seconds ahead of Hong Kong’s Lau Kin James, who clocked 24.97 seconds to secure the silver medal. Wu Chao-Si of Chinese Taipei followed closely with a time of 25.05 seconds, earning the bronze.

What made Shawqi’s feat even more exceptional was the intensity of his schedule. Within 24 hours, he competed in three different finals, demonstrating not just endurance, but also the mental resilience of a true champion. Earlier in the competition, he had qualified for the butterfly final with a swift 25.16-second heat time, finishing nearly half a second ahead of his nearest rival. He also bagged a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle event on Monday, showcasing his all-round talent across multiple categories.

This outstanding performance has significantly boosted the UAE’s medal tally, bringing the nation’s total to 19 medals — including 8 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze. The UAE now stands sixth overall in the Games’ rankings and proudly holds the top position among Arab countries.

The atmosphere in Bahrain was charged with excitement as Shawqi’s victory was celebrated not just by teammates, but also by fans back home who have closely followed his journey. His consistent performance throughout the Games has been a symbol of determination, discipline, and national pride, underlining the UAE’s growing strength in aquatic sports.

With this golden win, Hussain Shawqi has not only added to the UAE’s medal count but has also inspired a new generation of young swimmers to dream big and aim higher on the international stage. His achievement stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing homegrown sporting talent and striving for excellence across global competitions.