In conversation with Mohammad Abubakr Usman Mirza: Pakistan’s 12-year-old swimming champion chasing Olympic dream

Mohammad Abubakr Usman Mirza, a 12-year-old swimming champion from Pakistan, has already built a name for himself in breaststroke events, winning medals across 50m, 100m and 200m races while also competing in butterfly, backstroke and individual medley.

Known for his strength in breaststroke, Abubakr says his connection with the stroke began even before he understood competitive swimming. What started as a natural movement in the water later became his strongest event through training, discipline and technique work.

In an interview with Pakistan Today the young swimmer spoke about his favourite races, training routine, school-life balance and his dream of one day representing Pakistan at the Olympics.

What makes breaststroke your favourite or strongest stroke?

My breaststroke is my strongest stroke because I have a very natural and powerful kick. I think one reason for this is that before I even started competitive swimming, I used to play around in the water using a breaststroke-style kick without realising it.

To be honest, I did not even know what breaststroke was back then. Over time, with training and technique work, it became my favourite and strongest stroke, and winning races in it motivates me even more.

Which medal or race from 2025 felt the most special to you, and why?

In 2025, my favourite race was definitely the 29th Boys Age Group National Swimming Championship. It was very special for me because I once again claimed the title of Pakistan’s fastest Under-12 swimmer in the 50m breaststroke.

I had previously been the fastest swimmer and national record holder in the Under-10 category for the same event. That race meant a lot to me because all the hard work I had put into training paid off.

Before a big race starts, what do you usually think about?

Before a big race, I usually think about all the possible outcomes, but at the same time I stay extremely focused on my basics — my dive, entry, turns and stroke technique.

I try to stay calm, confident and fully focused on giving my best performance in the pool.

You have won medals in 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke. Which distance is the toughest for you?

For me, the toughest distance is the 200m breaststroke because it requires both speed and endurance.

It is also the event I have the least experience in, as I have only swum it twice in competitions so far. You really have to manage your energy carefully and stay strong until the finish.

You also compete in butterfly, backstroke and individual medley. Which stroke do you enjoy the most after breaststroke?

After breaststroke, the stroke I enjoy the most is butterfly because it feels powerful and exciting.

It is a very challenging stroke, which makes it even more enjoyable for me. I also won a gold medal in the 50m butterfly at the CM Punjab Swimming Championship 2026, which made the event even more special for me.

What is the hardest part of your training routine?

The hardest part of my training routine is managing my mindset and mood every day.

Sometimes I feel like swimming long-distance sets, while on other days I want to sprint. So when the training session is different from what I feel like doing, it can become difficult and less enjoyable.

But staying consistent and disciplined is part of becoming a better athlete.

How do you manage school, homework, friends and swimming practice together?

To manage swimming, studies, friends and everything else, I have to be very disciplined — almost robotic.

One of the toughest parts is waking up for early morning swimming sessions. I follow a strict schedule with four days of pool training each week, two days of dryland training, around two hours of swimming and one hour of gym work, plus two hours of study four days a week.

Friends and outings are mostly saved for weekends. And of course, I still try to make some time for devices and PlayStation too — uuufffff!

Your dream is to compete at the Olympics one day. What do you think you need to do next to get closer to that goal?

I think the next step towards achieving my Olympic dream is not just becoming more explosive in the pool, but also improving outside of it.

I need to stay disciplined with my diet plan, continue doing dryland exercises, carefully analyse my swimming and diving techniques, and constantly look for ways to improve.

I also want to compete in bigger international events, learn from experienced coaches and swimmers, and keep working hard step by step towards my goal of one day competing at the Olympics.

For Abubakr, swimming is no longer just about winning medals. It is about discipline, routine, sacrifice and learning how to improve every day.

At only 12, he has already understood that talent can open the door, but consistency keeps an athlete moving forward. With a clear focus on technique, fitness, diet and international exposure, his journey from national age-group success to a possible Olympic future is still only beginning.