Husain Al-Musallam

KUWAIT CITY, April 10: In a groundbreaking achievement that further elevates his impressive legacy, Kuwaiti Husain Al-Musallam, President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), has successfully secured a transformative shift for aquatics in the Olympic program. He officially announced the inclusion of 50-meter races across all swimming styles in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking the integration of short-course swimming as a key feature of global competition.

This monumental change has led to a remarkable expansion in the number of Olympic medals awarded for swimming, bringing the total to 55 gold medals, alongside an equal number of silver and bronze medals.

For the first time in Olympic history, two new women's water polo teams were approved, increasing the total number of national teams to 12 for both men and women.

In just four years under Husain Al-Musallam's leadership, FINA has grown into the world’s largest swimming federation in terms of Olympic medals, underscoring Al-Musallam’s pioneering efforts in advancing aquatics worldwide and solidifying Kuwait’s prominent role in international sports.