Iranian swimmer Nasimi Shad fails to move into Rio quarterfinal

Iranian swimmer Arya Nasimi Shad has been unsuccessful to advance to the quarterfinal round of the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On Tuesday, the youngest member of Iran’s sports delegation in Rio contested in the men's 200-meter breaststroke event at Olympic Aquatics Stadium, and finished seventh in his preliminary heat in two minutes and 18.88 seconds.

Denis Petrashov of Kyrgyzstan recorded 2:19.17 to land in the top position, and Chinese Taipei’s Lee Hsuan-Yen claimed the second spot in 2 minutes and 13.54 seconds.

“I did all my best but could not succeed to break Iran’s record. It really feels great when one competes against dominant and great opponents. I gained an invaluable experience,” the 17-year-old Iranian swimmer said.

He added, “I used the experience of swimmers who had earlier participated at Olympics, and knew what the atmosphere was like. Over the past three months, I took part in two tournaments. I didn’t have high expectations, but hope to perform better in the future.”

The swimming competitions at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games started on August 6 and will finish on August 13.

The open-water marathon is scheduled to take place on August 15 and 16 in Fort Copacabana.

Athletes have expressed grave concern over open-water events since scientists have detected microbes in waters off the coast of Fort Copacabana, as well as drug-resistant super bacteria off Rio de Janeiro beaches.

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