Already crowned champion in the 800 meters a few days earlier, Ahmed Jaouadi secured a second world title in a long-course pool on Sunday, August 3, in Singapore by winning the 1500m freestyle.
At only 20 years old, the Tunisian swimmer achieved an exceptional double, cementing his place among the top distance swimmers on the international stage.
His main rivals, German Sven Schwarz and American Bobby Finke, fought fiercely. The three swimmers stayed neck and neck for over fourteen minutes in a race that was as tactical as it was physical. But in the final hundred meters, Jaouadi made a decisive surge, winning in 14:34.41.
“It was good, but tough for the three of us, including Bobby. I think the one who wanted it most was going to win. And I really wanted it,” said Ahmed Jaouadi moments after his victory.
The Tunisian swimmer, coached by Philippe Lucas, did not break his personal record but confirmed his formidable mental strength. Schwarz finished in 14:35.69, Finke in 14:36.60. The French swimmer Damien Joly, hampered by injury, finished far behind.
With this second world title in just a few days, Jaouadi becomes the first Tunisian to achieve such a double at the World Long Course Championships. He continues the legacy of great Tunisian swimmers, following in the footsteps of Oussama Mellouli, and confirms the revival of the sport in the country.
Source: africanews
