July 24 - August 9, 2015
– Alzain, do you know you are the youngest participant at these Championships?
– Yes, and it is a nice feeling.
– How could you possibly qualify for the Worlds at such a young age?
– It is quite logical. I’m the fastest swimmer in Team Bahrain (smiles). I was the fastest among my rivals at the qualifying stage. Were there adult swimmers? Yes, sure. But I had had to overcome my peers before I got there.
– What is your target for the World Championships in 2015?
– The most important thing for me is to gain experience of competing at high-profile events, watch the technical skills of famous Olympic champions and maybe even add some of their skills to my armoury.
– Did you come to Kazan without an intention to win?
– We’ll see (smiles). For that, I must show my personal best.
– What disciplines do you plan to compete in?
– 50m fly and 50m free.
– In your opinion who are your main opponents in these events?
– I don’t want to single out someone because all the opponents are strong swimmers. It is quite obvious that every country has sent its best athletes. Who will win? I guess the one who hits the touchpad faster (smiles).
– So far you have never competed at this kind of major international event. Aren’t you a bit scared that it may be difficult for you to get to the final?
– No, I am not. I have so many tournaments under my belt not such international global championships but still. I am scared of no one and nothing!
– Back there in Bahrain how do you usually train?
– Back home we normally train 5 days per week, twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.
– And how do you manage to combine such heavy schedule with studies at school?
– So far there have been no problems with that at all. Studies as well as swimming give me great pleasure. My favourite subject is Mathematics.
– What did your classmates say when they found out about your participation at Kazan 2015?
– Frankly they know nothing so far at least I haven’t told them anything before leaving for Kazan. Of course I will tem them every little thing of my journey and share my impressions back then in Bahrain. Though they are also likely to see me on TV.
– You should go sightseeing then. To learn something new about Kazan, to get unforgettable impressions of the host city…
– I have already thought about it. That is what I am planning to do actually, to go sightseeing, to attend the local aqua park, I’ve seen it through the bus window.
– Alzain, all your answers are quite logical, you seem to be a pretty brave girl. What do your parents do for living?
– My mother is a teacher, my father has been a professional swimmer in the past. Since my little sister is engaged in swimming as well I can say it is a dynasty, sort of family tradition.
Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships