For the first time ever, a Faroese swimmer will compete in the Olympic Games. The swimmer is 21 year-old Pál Joensen, who in the last few years has established himself as one of the world's leading swimmers.
For the past year, Pál Joensen has made a real splash in the world of elite global swimming. In the Danish Open, held last month, he stood out from the other swimmers by finishing an impressive 16 seconds ahead of second place finisher in the 1,500 metre freestyle. His time was a full 20 seconds below the minimum time required to participate in the Olympic Games.
Even before this victory, Pál had already qualified for the Olympics in 1,500 metre freestyle – his favourite race. Pál Joensen has also qualified for the Olympics in the 400 metre freestyle, with a finishing time 2 seconds below the minimum required.
Pál's list of successes is long, and he has won numerous sports awards in the Faroe Islands, both alone and with his trainer, Jón Bjarnason.
