After the coronation of Ahmed Jaouadi, Tunisian swimming confirms its dynamics. Tunisian swimming is a happy anomaly. In a country where there are only two real Olympic basins in state, the regularity with which Tunisia produces champions borders on the miracle.
Tunisian swimming imposed itself in the 1960s and 70s as a favorite discipline. It was one of the first structured sports federations after independence, benefiting from relatively stable technical supervision and dynamic clubs, notably in Tunis, Sfax, Monastir and Sousse. This early anchoring made it possible to create a swimming culture, transmitted from generation to generation.
The inspiring figure of Osama Mellouli
Double Olympic medalist and world champion, Osama Mellouli hoisted Tunisian swimming at the highest world level. His exceptional record – including a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and another in free water in London in 2012 – upset the perception of this sport in Tunisia. Mellouli has become a model for hundreds of young swimmers, embodying success by effort, discipline and passion.
From pioneers to Olympic heroes: the long line of champions
Tunisian swimming is not limited to Osama Mellouli. Admittedly, the double Olympic medalist (gold in Beijing 2008, bronze in London 2012) remains the most illustrious. But before him, other swimmers had drawn the way.
Tunisian historical champions:
- Osama Mellouli : Olympic champion, world champion in free water and in a pool. The most titled in history.
- Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui : Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 at only 18 years old by 400 m free swimming. Gold medal at the Fukuoka 2023 Worlds.
- Sarra Lajnef : Several African championships, participation in the London Olympics
- Faten Ghattas: Participation in 84 Olympics
- Senda Gharbi: Participation in 88 Olympics
- Ali Gharbi : An emblematic swimmer on the national and continental scene in the 70s and 80s.
- Samir Bouchlaghem: He dominated the national and continental scene in the 80s.
- Mariem Mizouni: Participation in the Olympic Games 76
Tunisia is also multimedillée at African Games, Mediterranean Games and the African Championshipswhere she often dominates rankings.
Training clubs and a constant presence on the continental scene
Tunisia can count on a network of efficient training clubs, such as the Hope of Tunis, the African Club, or the Monasti club or AS Marsa. These structures accompany young people from the age of 6 and offer them solid technical supervision. Result: Tunisia regularly dominates the African championships and the Panarabian games, with dozens of medals.
Natural access to the sea which facilitates initiation
With more than 1,300 km of coastlineTunisia has privileged access to the Mediterranean Sea. This maritime geography allows early familiarization with water for many children. In several regions, the sea is natural initiation to swimming even before the basins. Certain disciplines such as free water swim, where Tunisia has distinguished itself, draw a strategic advantage.
Beyond African borders, Tunisian swimmers are increasingly participating in international internships, competitions and circuits. The Tunisian Swimming Federation relies on exchanges with elite centers, especially in France, in the United States or Qatar. This opening on the world makes it possible to raise the level, to access advanced training technologies and to confront young people with the best swimmers on the planet.
An anchored culture
Tunisian success in swimming is neither a coincidence nor a miracle. It is based on a strong historical base, emblematic champions, dynamic clubs and a strategic opening on the international. Tunisia continues to inspire and establish itself as an African aquatic power, ready to make waves on the world scene.
But above all a culture anchored among young people and a rage to defeat more and more present and Mehrez Boussayene, president of the Tunisian National Olympic Committee (CNOT), does not make it mystery. In such a lyrian and sincere momentum, he said to the media during Hafnaoui’s feat in 2020:
“” It is a historical feat for Tunisian, Arab, Mediterranean sport. Our champions, they have grinta, fervor, and even the madness to win. This is what drives our young people when they are under the national flag, they are soldiers“. That said, Boussayene is not wrong. In a country that has two meager Olympic basins, release a champion of this caliber, there is something to gargare a little.
