SASCHA Kindred is remaining optimistic that he will still be able to compete at his sixth Paralympics despite failing to hit the qualification time.

The 38-year-old, from Hereford, missed out on the time he needed in the heats and final of the SM6 200m individual medley at the British Para-Swimming trials.

However, there is a policy in place which means that swimmers who were two per cent out of the qualifying time can still make Rio.

Kindred needed to swim two minutes 42.65 seconds to make the qualifying standard, but clocked 2:42.88 in the heats and 2:43.20 in the final.

But that could still get the six-time Paralympic champion to his sixth games, with his past excellent performances also being taken into consideration.

The British team will be announced on May 16, with 25 swimmers hitting the qualifying time at the Glasgow trials.

"I've had discussions with coaches and other professionals and the feedback has been positive, so I'm still hopeful," said Kindred.

"I'm disappointed to not get the time, because it's a time I have swum a couple of times over the last couple of months.

"I just couldn't do it on the day."

Kindred added that all he can do know is wait and hope is name is included on the list published on May 16.

"I've got mixed emotions, it disheartened me at the time, but having had time to reflect on it and speaking to several people, it has lifted my spirits and I'm still hopeful."

Kindred is the world champion in the 200m individual medley having claimed gold at the IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow last year.

He also claimed a silver medal in the same event at the London 2012 Paralympics.