KUALA LUMPUR: Men's 100-metre backstroke world record holder Thomas Ceccon is an inspiration for national para swimmer Muhammad Imaan Aiman Muhammad Redzuan to achieve success on the international stage.
Muhammad Imaan Aiman, who competes in the S14 category (intellectual impairment), said he often watches videos of the 2024 Olympic champion's swimming style so that he can apply the Italian's techniques when making his debut at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
"I watch a lot of Ceccon's videos and learn from them. My preparation for the 2024 Paralympics is at 95 per cent, and I have just recovered from a spine injury," he said when met recently.
Despite competing for the first time at the prestigious sports event, the 18-year-old athlete is still aiming for a podium finish.
The Kuala Lumpur-born athlete considers defending champion Benjamin Hance from Australia as his main competitor and the swimmer to watch out for in the competition at the Paris La Defense Arena.
Muhammad Imaan Aiman made waves at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by winning four gold medals, one silver and one bronze.
The 2024 Paralympics will be held from Aug 28 to Sept 8. --BERNAMA