World Aquatics Championships: Hafnaoui the big favourite, Le Clos looks to get back to the top
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Ahmed Hafnaoui out to defend his titles
Ahmed Hafnaoui will be one of the stars to watch at the World Aquatics Championships. The Tunisian will swim the 400 m, 800 m and 1500 m freestyle. Hafnaoui, who trains in the United States, is the reigning double world champion in the 800 m and 1500 m freestyle. With Australia's Sameul Short, who won the 400 m freestyle at the last World Championships, absent, the Olympic champion could complete a treble at these championships. It would be a fine achievement for the African record holder in the 400 m freestyle, five months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ahmed Jaouadi chasing Olympic qualifying times
Tunisia will also be represented by two swimmers, as Ahmed Jaoudi will compete in the 400 m freestyle. The 18-year-old prodigy is aiming for the Olympic qualifying times. He has already produced fine performances at the French short-course championships. After winning the 400 m freestyle, Jaouadi also stood out in the 800 m, taking a fine second place ahead of France's Damien Joly. "It's always a source of pride to represent your country. Philippe (Lucas) is with me, he's supporting me in this dream. It will happen," said the African 400 m freestyle champion.
South Africa without Schoenmaker, but with Sates and Le Clos
Tatjana Schoenmaker, who won the 200 m breaststroke at the Fukuoka World Championships, will not defend her title in Doha. Although selected by the South African swimming federation, the Olympic champion is not on the list published by World Athletics. And she is not the only one. Emma Chelius, Kaylene Corbett and Rebecca Meder were also due to compete for South Africa, but are missing from the group of registered athletes.
Without Schoenmaker, South Africa can count on their legend Chad Le Clos. The 2012 London Olympic 200 m butterfly champion won the 100 m and 200 m butterfly double at the Euromeet in Luxembourg in January. Le Clos has also secured his place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. South African talent Matthew Sates, world champion in the 200 m individual medley (short course), and Lara Van Niekerk, world silver medallist in the 50 m breaststroke (short course), will also be part of the team.
Qualified for Doha 24 and Paris 24 last night in Durban 🙏 always proud to represent the green and gold ❤️🇿🇦
— Chad Le Clos (@chadleclos) December 16, 2023