Saudi Gazette report

PARIS — Saudi swimmer Zaid Al-Sarraj's first Olympic journey concluded after the 100m freestyle heats at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday.

Despite delivering an outstanding performance, finishing first in heat 3 with a time of 51.21 seconds, it wasn’t sufficient to advance to the next round.

The competition was intense, with the top 16 times out of 79 participants qualifying for the semifinals. Zaid's impressive time showcased his talent and determination but fell short of the mark needed to move forward.

At the age of just 16 years, Zaid's debut at the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Saudi swimming. His participation and performance have set a new benchmark and inspired future generations of Saudi athletes.

The Saudi delegation celebrated his efforts, recognizing his achievements and the potential for future success. Zaid's journey in Paris has ended, but his promising career and aspirations for future competitions, including the next Olympics, continue to shine brightly.