Michigan’s Al-Yamani Pulled From Rio Olympics Due to Miscommunication

Just weeks out of the big meet, Michigan’s Mokhtar Al-Yamani, who was slated to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games while representing Yemen, has announced that he will no longer be competing in the meet due to a miscommunication between the IOC and Yemen’s sports federation.

Al-Yamani swam his qualifying time for Rio at the 2016 Canadian Olympic Trials, where he clocked a 1:51.2 on a 200 free split in the 400. He was given the necessary credentials by the IOC, but despite initially being told he would compete in the games, he will no longer be eligible.

Al-Yamani’s “B” time in the 200 free of 1:51.2 was not fast enough to get an invite, and because he did not compete at last year’s World Championships, he wasn’t eligible under Universality (though FINA has allowed other Universality selections who did not compete at the World Championships).

Al-Yamani Took to Facebook to share the news with his friends and followers:

“It is with great sadness that I write to inform that I, as of 3 days ago, will no longer be competing in this year’s Olympic Games in Rio. It is to my understanding that unfortunately there was a miscommunication between the International Olympic Committee and my country (Yemen)’s Sports Federation and, although initially announced that I would participate in the Games and even having received the necessary credentials from the IOC, I am no longer considered eligible.

Although the final outcome is extremely disappointing, I am so thankful for the Olympic discipline that I was able to be a part of during these last couple months. Training alongside some of the fastest swimmers I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting day in and day out, all whilst supporting each other has been an experience unlike any other. I’d like to thank all of my wonderful teammates, coaching staff, and support that I’ve received.

While the next turn to realize my Olympic Dream is 4 years away, I see this as an opportunity to improve and represent Michigan in the best way possible during my next three college seasons and strive to continue its tradition of excellence.

Lastly, I am so excited for all of my friends and teammates who will be representing their respective countries at Rio. I am so proud of you all and can’t wait for you all to crush it!

As my close teammate and 2-time Olympian Connor Jaeger stated in an interview that made all Michigan Men and Women proud: ‘Michigan Men don’t quit.’ Forever Go Blue.”

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The Seal
7 years ago

Check What has happened to Marcin Cieslak from the Gators… He got the |B but, he was invited on the list, yet POlish swimming federation messed things up or forgot something and he is not participating in the Olympics because Fina already gave the place away…

I guess people in the PSF were too busy buying sunscreens to Rio and forgot to get things done…

but he acted like a pro as well and set his goal for the next Olympics…
Kudos!

Dawgpaddle
7 years ago

Thanks to SwimSwam this guys plight is up for discussion. I will put him on my “pull hard for and always enjoy his success” list. What an articulate, humble position for this young man to offer. A true champion who evaluates class to the highest level. This unfortunate situation will hopefully catapult him on to even greater successes.

Taa
7 years ago

I just think it’s a couple mid level fina members pocketing money to add or remove people to/from the list.

Quinn
7 years ago

Fina should just let anyone they mistakenly gave an invite go to rio. Unfair to athletes who work so hard to have an Olympic dream in their grasp only to have ripped from their hands a week and a half prior to the opening ceremonies due to the incompetence of an obviously corrupt governing body

Wirotomo
7 years ago

4 years ago, London Olympic is not that mess, because FINA set the universality quota at 150 swimmers.
First they list the A-cut swimmers and relay only swimmers, then they list universality swimmers. After that, FINA fill the remaining quota of 900 swimmers with B-cut swimmers/OST. They make it per batch, contain 26 fastest swimmers in an event for 26 individual events. Confirm to NOC. Got the answer.
Then sent another invitation batch. As far as i know, to fill the quota FINA makes 7 invitation batch.
And the process is clear. We’ve got 1 OST swimmer: I Gede Siman Sudartawa in men’s 100m backstroke.

But in this Rio Olympic, FINA didn’t make universality quota first, but… Read more »

G.I.N.A
7 years ago

Hey guys there is a war going on in Yemen.Saudis are raining down bombs on little brown people .At the war centre in Riyadh scores of British military are directing the US supplied weapons . Houthiis are hanging on & even taking Saudi territory .

Still a 1.51 is a good time.Perhaps the IOC /Fina should have a special category for ppl from nations wracked by war . Maybe it could bring some attention to wars & give. commentators something to talk about .

Daaaave
7 years ago

Ugh, FINA bungles yet another athlete’s dreams. Mokhtar, you got yourself a new fan–I’ll be rooting for you.

Blue
7 years ago

Proud of the way he has handled the situation, a mature swimmer who will be exploding in the new few years!

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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