Citi World Series 2024: Karimi keen to boost Paris preparations at home

After travelling from Oceania through Europe, it’s time for the Citi Para Swimming World Series 2024 to land in the Americas region for the first of the two stops in the continent this year.

Indianapolis, that hosted the competition two years ago, will welcome 201 athletes from 17 different nations at the IU Natatorium, the largest permanent swimming competition facility in the United States. The three days of multi-class races kick off on Thursday and wrap up on Saturday (11 to 13 April).

A bit over than four months prior the Paris 2024 Paralympcs, the USA 2024 is an important stepping stone for many athletes to achieve the qualification criteria for the Games.

This is what Abbas Karimi has in his mind and, to make it possible, he has made significant improvements in his training regimen compared to previous years.

“This time, my preparation is more and way better than all the past 12 years in my whole career. In full coaches that are working so hard on me and on my mentally, emotionally, physically, on my nutrition, and my swimming and so, I'm great. So, all my focus, all my time, everything I'm giving to Paris, to make it happen”, said the US swimmer.

Karimi was born without arms in the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, and his world widely known journey from there to the USA, his home country now, is full of risk and hope and swimming was always present.

In Tokyo, the 27-year-old swimmer debuted at the Games representing the Refugee Paralympic Team but since he became a US citizen two years ago, Karimi has been looking forward to this new first time.

“I did my best to be the best representer for Refugee Paralympic [Team] and millions of refugees around the world. Becoming a US citizen and representing the United States is totally different because this is what my dreams are about,” he said.

Paris 2024 can also be the first time for him as a Paralympic medallist.

“Since I started swimming, my coach kept telling me about the Paralympic Games. I always wanted to not just be a Para swimmer who competes in a high-level, but wanted to make it happen and be a Paralympic champion. I want to turn that reality and I want to know how it feels like,” the S5-swimmer added.

Looking ahead to the USA World Series in Indianapolis, Karimi is eager to put his training to test in three races: the men’s 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke. 

"I want to have fun and most importantly it will be so great to drop some time because I've been preparing myself for a long time and I'm very excited. I'm looking forward to have some fast swimming,” he said.

Visiting neighbours

Mexico and Canada will be represented by large delegations at the Citi Para Swimming World Series USA 2024.

Two-time Paralympic champion Nely Herrera (S4) leads a 49-strong Mexican squad and will be in action for four events – the women’s 150m medley and the 50m freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke.

Canada has 16 athletes on their roster, including 27-year-old Shelby Newkirk (S6), back-to-back world champion in the women’s 100m backstroke S6. She will compete in five events – the women’s 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke, and 100m breaststroke.

All the action from the Citi Para Swimming World Series USA 2024 will be live-streamed on the World Para Swimming Facebook Page.