Iraqis make a statement

Iraq's soccer team was a surprise qualifier to the Olympic tournament quarterfinals. Now, the only Iraqi swimmer competing in Athens won the opening heat of the 100-metre freestyle.

Iraq's soccer team was a surprise qualifier to the Olympic tournament quarterfinals. Now, the only Iraqi swimmer competing in Athens won the opening heat of the 100-metre freestyle.

Mohammed Abbas beat swimmers from Mongolia, Mozambique, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Burundi. Never mind that his time of 56.81 was more than eight seconds behind the fastest qualifier, Dutchman Pieter van den Hoogenband, or that his final position - 63rd - was nowhere near the top 16 qualifying spots.

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"I beat my personal record," Abbas said. "First or last is not important. It is important to be at the Olympics." Abbas, who received training assistance in Canada before the Olympics, competes in the 50-metre freestyle heats Thursday.