We catch up with Ali Al Kaabi, a junior swimmer from the United Arab Emirates, to find out about how he got into swimming and what he hopes and dreams of achieving in the sport.

Ali Al Kaabi

Club: Al Ain Club

Date of birth: May 28, 1997

Birthplace: Al Ain

City of residence: Al Ain

Club: Al Ain Club

Coaches: Jack Simon at the club, Sergey Burkov and Mohamed El Zanaty in the national team.

Favourite stroke: Butterfly.

What’s your earliest memory competing? The first time i competed was in 2007 probably, but i was against more experienced swimmers and i had just started. Within two years, i was beating them all, so that’s when i felt that i can really do this. 

Favourite swimmer: Chad le Clos.

Inspiration/idol: My father.

Nicest swimming venue: Hamdan Sports Complex.

Career highlight/best achievement in the pool: Being able to clock a personal best in the 50m fly at the Winter Nationals, and maintaining my position as the GCC champion in the 50m and 100m fly since 2011.

Toughest race you’ve ever competed in: The 100m butterfly in the Dubai international Championships in 2013 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. Yaaqoub Al Saadi was my toughest competition in that race.

Swimming career dream: To go to the United States to study and train there. They are a different level there in terms of swimming and I’d love to train there so
I can improve.

Favourite meal: Lasagna.

Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The Dubai Mall

Least favourite part of swimming practice: Long distance swimming.

Other sports or hobbies: I love going running and playing tennis.

Coolest person you’ve ever met: Chad Le Clos here in Dubai.

Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched: In 2009 at the World Championships in Rome, Michael Phelps against the Serbian swimmer, Mirolad Cavic, in the 100m butterfly. That was an unforgettable race.