In a significant milestone for Bhutan’s aquatic sports scene, the world’s highest competition pool was inaugurated two months ago in the capital city of Thimphu. Situated at a staggering altitude of 8,200 feet, this facility is the result of a collaborative effort between World Aquatics and local authorities, falling under the ambitious ‘Pools for All’ programme. This initiative, launched in 2019, aims to ensure that all member federations of World Aquatics have access to world-class swimming facilities.
The new pool has already made waves, thanks to the achievements of Sangay Tenzin, Bhutan’s pioneering Olympic swimmer. Tenzin, who first gained international recognition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as Bhutan’s debut swimmer, is now representing his nation at the Paris Olympics. Competing across archery, athletics, and swimming, Tenzin is making waves once again.
Tenzin’s journey is a testament to the impact of the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme, which provides talented swimmers from developing countries with essential training and competition opportunities. Currently based at the World Aquatics Training Centre in Thailand, the 20-year-old has honed his skills as a freestyler and butterflier, culminating in his second appearance at the Olympic Games.
Reflecting on his experiences, Tenzin shared, “I was very fortunate back in 2019 when World Aquatics and the Bhutanese Swimming Federation granted me a scholarship. I was able to travel to Thailand, where I have been for five years now, and I’ve improved so much and learned so many new things.”
At the Paris La Defense Arena, Tenzin faced an electrifying atmosphere. Following a heat by local favorite Leon Marchand, the arena was alive with energy, and Tenzin felt the excitement firsthand. “The crowd, it makes your heart race,” Tenzin said. “It was an incredible experience to swim in front of this many people.”
In his 100m Freestyle heat, Tenzin touched the wall in 56.08 seconds, a remarkable improvement from his time of 1:07.28 at his first World Aquatics Championships. This personal best is a clear reflection of the rigorous training and support he has received.
Reflecting on his early days, Tenzin noted the stark contrast between his humble beginnings and his current achievements. “Back when I started swimming, there was no such thing as a swimming scholarship or swimming club in my country; it was all about football. Swimming wasn’t really a sport,” he explained. “It was just for fun. Me and one other swimmer became the first two Bhutanese swimmers. I think we took the stepping stone for swimming as a sport in my country.”
Tenzin believes that the new competition pool will inspire future generations. “Establishing a training environment in my country is crucial for the sport’s future. Hopefully, this will be an important step in developing more swimmers and a professional system.”
As Bhutan celebrates its groundbreaking facility and its star swimmer, the nation is poised to make even greater strides in the world of aquatic sports.
