Starting from the water line number 8, last time among the qualified for the final of the 400 m freestyle, Ahmed Hafnaoui left the pool a few minutes later as Olympic champion.
This is the first sensation of these Tokyo Games: at only 18 years old, for his first participation, the Tunisian (3′43 ″ 36) topped the Australian Jack McLoughlin (3′43 ″ 52) and the American Kieran Smith (3′43 ″ 94) in the last 50 m to win an incredible title.
The Tunisian pushed all his limits: Sunday, he improved by more than two seconds the time of the series which had opened the doors to the final.
His family jubilant over his race on television
After Oussama Mellouli, crowned over 1,500 m in Beijing in 2008, Hafnaoui became the second swimmer adorned with gold at the Olympics in the history of his country.
He himself seemed to have a hard time realizing at the end of his race.
“Of course I surprised myself.
It's incredible.
I believed it when I hit the wall and saw that I was first, it was great, he said as he stepped off the podium.
And when I saw the flag of my country and heard the (Tunisian) anthem, I had tears in my eyes, I was so proud.
I dedicate this title to all the Tunisian people: you have a champion now!
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In video, the reaction of Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui's family during the Olympic 400-meter Freestyle final.
A great moment of emotion, of sharing and an unforgettable memory for the entourage of the 18-year-old swimmer.
# Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ibsCvOZfJ5
- ETTACHKILA (@EttachkilaTN) July 25, 2021
His relatives, euphoric, followed his race from Tunisia, where Ahmed Hafnaoui still trains. The video showing the jubilation of his family during the race and at the time of his victory suggests the feeling of pride that the swimmer transmitted to the Tunisian public. His performance went around the world, and the jubilation of his relatives that of social networks. A major feat, a daydream that could continue, while the young swimmer is still competing in the 800m freestyle, whose heats begin Wednesday, July 28.