Alex Sobers is on his way to being a two-time Olympian after meeting the men’s 400m freestyle B qualifying time of 3:53.58 for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan and also set a new national record in the process.
Competing at the ISCA International Senior Cup in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Sobers now
22-years of age recorded a time of 3:53.19 to meet the qualifying standard in the long course final. Sobers also destroyed his Barbados record of 3:55.50 set in 2018.
“It is a very good feeling to make the cut once again in the event that I started off for the first Olympics. It is a testimony of all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve been making are paying off,” Sobers told Barbados TODAY.
Just before the interview via telephone, Sobers who has represented the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association at various international meets, was preparing to compete in the 200m freestyle in Florida. He is confident of qualifying for the Olympics in that event as well.
“Every year I set out to get the best times and improve on my techniques and aim for new barriers. My coaching staff, we set out the goals we are trying to accomplish at meets. We decide where and when I am going to peak and I just execute,” he explained.
Over the last decade Sobers has shown he is one of Barbados’ best when it comes to the freestyle event. If anything has changed or improved from his first-ever outing at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro 2016, it is that Sobers is a lot stronger and confident.
Currently enrolled at Boston College in Massachusetts pursuing his Masters in Sports Administration, Sobers who is serving as voluntary assistant coach to the Eagles’ swim and dive team said preparation towards the Olympics was going well.
“The first time around in Rio, I was still very young and I obviously did not have the experience. But now I am a lot older, stronger and experienced. A lot more aware of my swimming ability and all that helped me make the cut.
“My preparation consists of long course training days. Making sure that all my hundreds are consistent times and making a lot of sacrifices to becoming better. Just going the extra mile in practice and giving my best all the time,” said Sobers, who is coached by American Michael Stephens.
The former Christ Church Foundation School alumnus noted that he has a really good swimming staff who pushes him to do better.
As for his plans this year as one of Barbados’ top male swimmers, Sobers stated that his intention is always to give of his best.
“When I am training, I don’t train for second place. Whenever I am training, I aim for the best and whatever the best outcome is I am happy. I know whenever I go into a race I am going to give of my best,” he said.
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.com
