TEHRAN - As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, Iranian swimmer Samyar Abdoli is in the final stretch of his preparations, training diligently in Germany with only 15 days to go. Abdoli, who earned his place in the Olympics through a wildcard entry, is filled with a sense of joy and anticipation at prospect of competing in Paris.

*Reaction to receiving wildcard

“Unfortunately, we were unable to qualify directly for the event,” Abdoli said.

 “This was not unexpected, as the qualifying times for the Olympics were lowered this year, making it more difficult for us. I am grateful for the wildcard, and just being at the 2024 Olympics is a great feeling,” said the Iranian swimmer.

*One chance to prove

“We were only sent to one Olympic qualifying competition, so we only had one chance to prove ourselves,” Abdoli explained. “This put a lot of pressure and stress on us, and we were unable to achieve the desired result. If we had been sent to multiple qualifiers, we would have had more opportunities and maybe could have made it, but it wasn't meant to be.”

*Training in Germany

“I didn't ask the federation for anything in terms of training, and I know that if I had requested it, they would have provided me with a coach,” Abdoli said. “However, I prefer to continue my training in Germany until the start of the Olympics. Of course, there are some financial needs, which I hope the federation can afford it.”

“The conditions are good at the moment,” he said. “I will continue my training here in Germany for another week before the Olympics. With the support of my coach and my club team, the conditions here are good for me.”

*Olympic goals

“It's hard to predict how I will perform and what place I will finish in,” Abdoli admitted. “But I will do my best to break my own record in Paris. If I can do that, it will give me and other swimmers a lot of hope and motivation for the Asian Games medal in Nagoya and a direct qualifying spot for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he concluded.