Doha: Even as world records continued to tumble at the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, here the competitive spirit of swimmers continued to reach greater heights.

“I finally got it,” said James Guy, after setting a British Record in the Men’s 400m freestyle, heats. He finished with a timing of 3:39.58 to become the third fastest qualifier.

Guy wasn’t wrong for in the evening session, he finished at the podium, with a sliver around his neck. He finished with a timing of 3:36.35 in the final. He was just 2.03 seconds behind Hungarian Péter Bernek, who set a championship record of 3:34.32. Serbian Velimir Stjepanovic clinched a bronze with 3:38.17 on the board.

Arab World icon, Tunisian hero, Oussama Mellouli finished fourth clocking 3:39.05 in the final.

“The audience cheering my name that was incredible, I’m hoping for great achievements throughout this championship. I play a lot of other sports but Swimming has always been my passion, I’m good at it,” said Mellouli, who enjoyed the crowd support.

Qatar’s Walid Daloul took pride in the fact that he came from a destination that is fast emerging as a sporting centre of the world. “We are proud Qataris,” he said.

“We feel great walking around knowing that we are home. We met great swimmers during the competition, we exchanged numbers to call them and ask for advice. It’s so much fun to race and especially when you race against your friends,” said the Qatari swimmer.

FINA President, Dr Julio C. Maglione called the ambience at the Hamad Aquatic Centre “extraordinary”.

The Uruguayan administrator’s excitement came out crystal clear when he congratulated Qatar’s management in organising such an impressive event.

“The best level of organisation that I have seen,” he said, adding, “No wonder that there is a record participation of swimmers and countries.”

Dr Maglione praised the efforts of HE Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships and Khaleel Al Jabir, President, Qatar Swimming Association and CEO of the event.

“Their hard work has paid off. The organisation has been excellent and the ambience spectacular and fantastic.”

Mr Al Jabir put things in perspective by providing the numbers. “There are 1093 participants in this Championships from 176 countries across the world. This is way beyond the numbers of the last event that took place in Istanbul, Turkey.”

The Championships that was held in Istanbul, in December last year, saw participation from 958 swimmers from 161 nations.

And Mr Al Jabir had expected a good crowd to follow. “We had been preparing for the last two years for this event and Thank God, this has been a huge success. The event is still on and I am sure the crowds will continue to pour in.”

Thanking his team members for organising an event of this stature, he said, “I congratulate my team members. Their hard work has done wonders.”