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Sunday, August 5, 2012

At 13, youngest Olympics competitor keeps it simple

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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20120805-363524.html

Togo's 13-year-old swimmer Adzo Kpossi, the youngest competitor at the London 2012 Olympics, trains in a hotel pool and wears costumes bought on sale at the market.

Her goal at the Games was simple: to beat her personal best of 44.60 seconds in the 50m freestyle - a time approaching twice as long as the 23.73 seconds world record.

The teenager "has nothing to train with: no starting blocks, no flippers, no goggle straps", her father and coach Kwami Kpossi told AFP.

Due to a dearth of public swimming baths in the west African country's capital Lome, she trains five times a week at two hotel pools.

"The managers let us swim there for free after school," said Kwami, a former sports teacher.

Even without these hurdles, Adzo's training represents a big sacrifice for her modest family.

"The pool is 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from our house," her devoted father said.

"It costs us a lot of money. Every three days, I have to fill up. But the Togolese Olympic Committee gives us a fixed amount towards the petrol."

Despite her dedication, the youngster did not reach the minimum standard required to secure a place at the Olympics. However, she was given a wildcard thanks to the Olympic tenet of representation coming from every corner of the globe.

Her father adds: "As she is the youngest athlete, I want her to show that it's not age but determination, the love of the sport which prevails."

A Rwandan competitor in the Athletes' Village wished her "good luck, kid!", while a swimmer she has befriended from the Central African Republic tells her: "The most important thing is taking part."

"My goal is to beat my personal best," Kpossi said.

At the Aquatics Centre on Friday, in front of thousands of spectators, she clocked the second-slowest time in the 50m freestyle heats.

And in doing so, fulfilled her dream. 37.55 seconds - a new personal best.

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