Omani diver Omar Abdullah al Ghailani has won two gold in the AIDA UAE free diving pool competition 2019 held on Saturday.  

The competition saw participation of 18 competitors from Oman, France, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Palestine, the UAE and Germany. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ghailani said, “I won gold in two categories – DYN 150m and DNF 81m.”  He said the competition was tough as there were experienced divers from around the world.  “The cold pool water was also a challenge. 

Reaching the finals required immense concentration and determination.”  Ghailani prepared for the championship by training daily – free diving for three hours besides working out in the gym. Explaining free diving, Ghailani said it is pursued without using any breathing apparatus. 

“You dive holding the breath to save oxygen.” Of future plans, he said, “I will participate in the Oman Open Championship which will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports Affairs at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on November 15 and 16. Divers from many countries will participate and I am aiming for podium finish. The ministry will officially select the Oman free diving team and I hope to be in it.”