University of Regina swimmer
Ovesh Purahoo has qualified to represent Mauritius at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Purahoo, who completed his third season of U SPORTS eligibility with the Cougars in the spring, is a Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies student majoring in human kinetics.
He'll compete in the men's 100-metre freestyle in Paris.Â
"I'm excited to live in the moment, create lasting memories, and embrace the privilege of representing over 1,000,000 Mauritians at the highest level of sports," Purahoo said. "I haven't fully processed it yet, but it's incredibly rewarding to see that it evokes strong emotions in those around me, especially those who have supported me over the years and continue to do so."
Purahoo holds a personal-best long-course time of 52.25 seconds in the 100 free, a mark he set in May at the Olympic Time Trials in Toronto. He clinched his trip to Paris at the Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet in Vancouver two weeks ago, finishing the event in 52.40 seconds to lock up the Mauritius Swimming Federation's lone berth on the men's side to the Olympics. Mauritius will also be represented by Anishta Teeluck on the women's side.
The Olympics will be the second time this year that Purahoo has represented Mauritius in an international event. He also wore Mauritius colours at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar back in February.
"Ovesh has made huge improvements in the consistency and control of his skills," Cougars head swimming coach Baylee Munro said. "He has always been a student of the sport, and this year there were lots of lessons learned on the path to Olympic qualification."
The 100-metre freestyle heats and semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday, July 30 at the Paris La Défense Arena with the final set for the following day.
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