University of Regina swimmer
Ovesh Purahoo won his heat in the 100-metre freestyle on Tuesday during the fourth day of swimming competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Purahoo was fifth at the turn, but closed with a strong final 50 metres. He took the lead with about 25 metres to go before cruising to victory by over a half second over the second-place finisher, El Salvador's Nixon Hernandez.
"With the pressure and expectations, I wanted to have a clean swim and get the job done," Purahoo said following the race. "It was a crazy experience. My dream came true, and winning the heat was the cherry on top. I'm trying to enjoy every bit of it as I know it only lasts a couple of days."
His finishing time was 52.22 seconds, giving him a new personal-best long-course time in the 100 free.
Purahoo will head back home to Mauritius to spend time with family and get back into shape for next season. He will enter his fourth season of U SPORTS eligibility next year with the Cougars.
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