TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 25: Gold medalist Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia during the medals ceremony of the 400m freestyle final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Ahmed Hafnaoui was an unknown swimmer from Tunisia – at least he was until he made international headlines by snagging gold in the 400m freestyle during the Tokyo Olympics. Hafnaoui is just 18 years old.
Hafnaoui won with a time of 3:43.46. His qualifying round was the worst among those who made it to the final heat, forcing him to swim in lane 8. Nevertheless, Hafnaoui beat out Australian swimmer Jack McLoughlin by 14-hundredths of a second. Kieran Smith of the United States rounded out the medal podium by securing the bronze.
Hafnaoui was so shocked he could barely figure out where to stand on the podium. Smith had to move Hafnaoui to the middle between him and McLoughlin, the position typically taken by the gold medal winner.
When asked about how it felt to become a national hero, Hafnaoui was clearly still in shock. “I don’t know,” he stated.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Hafnaoui is hoping to swim at a university in the United States after he finishes competeting in Tokyo.
The Los Angeles Chargers released former Super Bowl champion Mekhi Becton. This move will free…
Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has died at 42. The family has not revealed how…
The New England Patriots have decided to release former Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs.…
David Montgomery has been traded from the Detroit Lions to the Houston Texans. The Lions…
CM Punk and Roman Reigns are set to face off at Wrestlemania 42 for the…
Elijah Hoard, a friend of San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama, was found in Chicago…