The young Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi, just 19 years old, was welcomed as a hero on Wednesday evening at Tunis-Carthage airport. Returning from Budapest, where he shone during the world swimming championships (25 m swimming pool) organized from December 10 to 15, he offered two prestigious podiums: gold on the 1500 m freestyle and bronze on the 800 m freestyle. A feat that opens up a promising new page in his international career.
Historical performance
In an exclusive declaration to the TAP agency, Ahmed Jaouadi did not hide his pride: “These results are the result of hard work and sacrifices. Wearing the colors of Tunisia and getting on the roof of the world is an immense honor. »»
This double medal does not, however, represent a purpose for the Tunisian champion, who rather sees it as a springboard towards new ambitions.
With renewed confidence and a foolproof motivation, Jaouadi now targets the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. “Budapest is only a step. My ultimate goal is to achieve exceptional performance in Los Angeles. Each competition is an opportunity for learning and progression, ”he explained with determination.
He also said that an in -depth analysis of his performance in Budapest is underway, in order to consolidate his strengths and work on his weaknesses. “Every detail counts in a race. These medals give me immense motivation to go even further, ”he added.
During the championships, Ahmed Jaouadi shone at demanding distances, especially the 1500 m, his specialty. “The transition between a 25 m swimming pool and that of 50 m is a real challenge. But I am proud to have managed to adapt and achieve my goals, “he said. His success on the 1500 m freestyle, where he recorded an impressive time of 14 minutes, 16 seconds and 40 hundredths, remains one of the highlights of his career.
Meticulous preparation
Far from resting on his laurels, Jaouadi already has his eyes on his next international competitions. With the clear objective to appear among the best world swimmers, he intends to intensify his training and continue his progression. Its ambition is also supported by a precious experience acquired during these Worlds.
Tunisia’s participation in the Budapest World Championships, although limited to three swimmers (Ahmed Jaouadi, Rami Rahmouni and Belhassen Ben Milad), illustrates the growing potential of Tunisian swimming on the international scene.
Jaouadi’s performances, in particular, send a strong message on Tunisia’s ability to shine in major competitions.