Slowest wins fastest gold | Sunday Observer

Slowest wins fastest gold

1 August, 2021
Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Hafnaoui celebrates winning his shock Olympic gold
Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Hafnaoui celebrates winning his shock Olympic gold

The slowest qualifier for a men’s Olympic swimming event shocked the world when he ended up winning gold.

Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia was not expected to win the title in the 400-meter freestyle, and even he seemed surprised to win his race Sunday in Tokyo.

The 18-year-old had to compete in the outside lane having only narrowly advanced to the championship race.

He appeared to peak at the opportune moment, however, as his time of three minutes and 43.36 seconds was enough to edge the runner-up, Jack McLoughlin of Australia, by 0.16 seconds.

The American swimmer Kieran Smith finished third with a time of 3:43.94 seconds.

“I just can’t believe it. It’s a dream and it became true,” said Hafnaoui, according to BBC Sport. “It was great - it was my best race ever.” (The Insider)

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