Swimming sensation, Farida Osman’s dream of representing Egypt in her fourth Olympics has been dashed by the narrowest of margins.
The six-time All-Africa gold medallist missed the qualification standard of 24.70 seconds in the 50-metre freestyle by just two-hundredths of a second.
Osman, also a three-time world championship bronze medallist, had previously been confirmed for the Paris Games but has now learned she will not be able to participate due to limited quota restrictions.
“I want to thank everyone for their unwavering support,” she said on Sunday. “And I wish all the best to my fellow Egyptian athletes at the Games.”
The 29-year-old has often expressed her desire to represent “African, Arab, and Muslim women around the world because while there is so much talent, it lacks representation due to societal, religious, and cultural reasons.”
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will take place on July 27th in Paris, France.
