Is Eric the Eel's record safe?
2008-08-06 22:24
Wilhelm de Swardt
Beijing - Eric the Eel's record seems safe, despite the participation of swimmers from Botswana, Malawi, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Azerbaijan and Nepal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Eric, whose surname is Moussambani, became famous when he swam the 100m freestyle in 1 minute 57.72 seconds at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Most top swimmers will expect to clock between 47 and 49 seconds in Beijing but spectators will be watching the "promoters' choice" entries to see who comes closest to Moussambani's time.
Mind you, the man from Equatorial Guinea did not come last in Sydney. Two of his opponents were disqualified. But his battle to swim two lengths of the pool and his time made news all over the world.
The International Olympic Committee have again invited some swimmers whose presence here is aimed at promoting the sport in their countries.
Botswana is one of those who will be represented in swimming for the first time in Olympic history when the Games start here this weekend.
Alison la Grange, Botswana's coach, says swimming is "a new sport" in their country. "It is an incredible honour to be here."
It seems most of the "wild-card" swimmers invited to Beijing are a little more at home in the water than Eric the Eel was. Whether they have his courage remains to be seen.
- Die Burger