Head Coach Gregg Troy has added another name to a very promising class of 2021 for his Florida Gators. Jordan’s Khader Baqlah, who represented his country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, has committed to swim in Gainesville. Baqlah is a freestyler, with the 200 free being his sweet spot. He touched 31st overall in that event in Rio. The 18-year-old is no one-trick pony, as he’s rangy enough for strong sprinting and distance speed, as well.
TOP TIMES (LCM/SCY CONVERTED)
- 50 free – 23.83 (20.74)
- 100 free – 50.79 (44.27)
- 200 free – 1:48.42 (1:34.79)
- 400 free – 3:58.71 (4:27.46)
Baqlah looks primed to contribute most in the 100 and 200 free, if his times translate well to short course. With his converted times, he would’ve scored in the A final of the 200 free at the 2016 SEC Championships. Additionally, he’d have been just outside of scoring in the C final of the 100 free.
With last season’s graduation of Pawel Werner and the departure of Mitch D’Arrigo after this season, the Gators will be suffering some major mid-distance power loss. The good news for Baqlah is that, assuming he gets to campus next fall for the 2017-18 season, he’ll get to train for one season with Florida freestyle stars Caeleb Dressel, Jan Switkowski, and Mark Szaranek. The Gators will look to defend their 800 free relay SEC title from last season, and in general, Baqlah could prove to be an important piece in Florida’s post-Dressel future.
Baqlah will join a small but mighty class of 2021 for Florida, including:
On the final day of the early signing period, we'd like to welcome Khader to the team! 🔒🐊 #Gators pic.twitter.com/xjFlndxgEq
— Gators Swimming & Diving (@GatorsSwimDv) November 16, 2016
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