Golden Moment for Maldivian Swimming

Ahmed Riyaz, 22, became the first Maldivian swimmer to win a gold medal at the Indian Ocean Island Games after completing the 100m freestyle in a stunning 48.72 seconds, breaking his own national record set earlier this year.

Riyaz, who trains at the National Swimming Pool in Male six days a week, said he dedicated the win to his family and his late coach who passed away in 2022. "This is for everyone who believed in me," he said, visibly emotional on the podium.

The Maldives finished the swimming events with a total of one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals — the country best ever performance in aquatic sports at an international multi-sport event.