Ahmed Jaouadi, the other marvel of Tunisian swimming
Ahmed Jaouadi, the other marvel of Tunisian swimming. The 18-year-old swimmer is aiming to book his ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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After Oussema Mellouli and Ayoub Hafnaoui, Tunisia has another new star in the pool. Ahmed Jaouadi is the new sensation of Tunisian swimming. The land of the Eagles of Carthage could therefore field two swimmers at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Olympic champion at 18, the prodigy Hafnaoui will defend his title in Paris. The 21-year-old, world champion over 800 and 1 500 m in Fukuoka, is indeed assured of competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. And he could swim alongside his compatriot Ahmed Jaouadi. The 18-year-old prodigy produced some fine performances at the French short-course championships.
Winner of the 400 m freestyle, the 18-year-old also impressed in the 800 m, taking a fine second place ahead of Damien Joly, a rising talent in French swimming. "It feels good to swim your best times", said Jaouadi, savouring the moment. What is more, this early in the season and at the start of the long-course campaign, the performance bodes well in the quest for Olympic qualifying times. "Swimming fast in December is nice, but what matters is swimming fast in June", he admitted.
Read also : World Swimming Championships: Ahmed Hafnaoui too strong
Tipped for a bright future, Ahmed Jaouadi has already proved himself at junior level. At the French junior championships in 2021, the young prospect produced a standout display by winning three gold medals, notably in the 200 m and 400 m freestyle and the 200 m individual medley (4 strokes). A year later, at just 17, he became African champion over 400 m freestyle in Radès.
Now working under Philippe Lucas in Martigues, the Tunisian swimmer is progressing rapidly. "It's already starting to pay off, but we've only just started. The best is yet to come", says the African 400 m freestyle champion. His sights are set on the World Championships in Qatar, which could well allow him to fulfil his dream of competing at the Olympic Games. "It's always a source of pride to represent your country. Philippe (Lucas) is with me, he's backing me in this dream. It will happen", says the 18-year-old swimmer, hopeful.