Sangay Tenzin, a 20-year-old national swimmer hailing from Gelephu, is poised to make waves once again on the global stage as he prepares for his second Olympic appearance. This time, he will represent Bhutan in the men’s 100-meter freestyle event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Sangay’s journey into swimming began humbly, navigating the rivers of his hometown during his early years. His dedication and passion for the sport propelled him to his debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Now, with the support of the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and rigorous training under Coach Alexander Tikhonov in Phuket, Thailand, Sangay is set to showcase his skills on an international platform once more.
Bhutan, known for its picturesque landscapes rather than its aquatic facilities, faces challenges in nurturing swimming talent due to its landlocked geography. Sangay’s participation in the Olympics represents a beacon of hope for aspiring young swimmers in the country, highlighting what determination and hard work can achieve against the odds.
Since joining Ugyen Academy in Punakha, Sangay’s dedication to swimming has only grown stronger. Selected by the BOC in 2019, he has undergone intensive training alongside his friend Kinley Lhendup in Thailand, supported by FINA, the International Swimming Federation.
The road to the Olympics hasn’t been without its challenges. Sangay secured his spot through a universality place, a special provision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that promotes global inclusivity by enabling athletes from underrepresented nations to participate in the Games.
Reflecting on his journey, Sangay remarked, “I hope I can break my personal best and give my best performance at the games. Compared to Tokyo, I feel more prepared and experienced this time.”
Despite facing stiff competition from seasoned athletes worldwide, Sangay remains optimistic about his performance. His track record includes significant milestones such as setting personal bests in international tournaments, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Swimming Championship in Budapest.
Looking ahead, Sangay sees a promising future for swimming in Bhutan, buoyed by recent developments like the international standard swimming pool in Thimphu. “We’ve come a long way from swimming just for fun in the rivers. Now, with proper facilities and training programs, Bhutanese youth have more opportunities to excel in swimming,” he noted.
As Sangay Tenzin readies himself for Paris, Bhutanese across the nation eagerly anticipate his performance, hoping to witness history in the making. His journey exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance, inspiring a generation of aspiring athletes in Bhutan and beyond.
