As world records tumble at the World Swimming Championships, there is one record that will fall and perhaps earn its fair share of negative headlines.

Alzain Tareq of Bahrain will become the youngest ever swimmer at the World Championships in Kazan – at the age of 10. All eyes will be on Tareq who will contest in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle on Friday and Saturday against competitors more than double her age.

“I’m very happy to be here,” the youngster said in an interview with Sport360, a daily sports newpaper in the United Arab Emirates. “I’m a little bit nervous but it’s a great feeling being at the World Championships and all these great athletes.
I’m most excited to meet Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden.”

Tareq started swimming at the age of four and one of her former coaches Khalifa Ali passed away six months ago. Over the 50m distance, her personal best is 38.21 seconds, but she recorded 41.12 seconds in qualification.

“Everyone is asking her what she is going to swim, asking her how old she is,” said father Tareq Juma Salem in an interview with Sport360.

“One of the coaches who works with Campbell interviewed her the other day. I’m sure the World Championships will be an unforgettable experience for her.

“She has participated in many championships in Bahrain since she was seven years old, so they have the experience.”

However, her inclusion at the World Championships has caused a stir among former athletes – two of her team-mates in Team Bahrain are just 15 and 18 years old. “I’m the fastest swimmer in Team Bahrain,” the 10-year-old confidently said.

FINA, the world’s swimming governing body, refused to comment when contacted by DW.com about Tareq’s inclusion in the championships.

A short statement read that “rules are rules and there is no age limit for competitors.”

jw/rd