The young Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi, reigning world champion, continues his spectacular rise at the American university championships, where he has just posted exceptional performances at the start of the winter season.
When Ahmed Jaouadi decided to continue his Olympic preparation in the United States, where his main rivals are playing, some observers questioned the merits of such a choice.
But the Tunisian swimmer quickly dispelled doubts. In an ultra-competitive environment where meritocracy reigns, he was able to impose his talent and his seriousness, becoming in a few weeks the standard bearer of his university and one of the most feared swimmers on the American university circuit.
His first outings in Florida demonstrated that he perfectly mastered his subject. His times impressed, confirming that he had done well to confront the world elite.
Records and a status already affirmed
During the university competitions held last week in the 25-yard pool, Ahmed Jaouadi shone against the University of Georgia.
Friday, he won the 1000 yard freestyle with an exceptional time of 8 min 36 sec 65, the best time of the 2025/2026 university season, just two seconds behind the American record held since 2015 by Clark Smith (8 min 33 sec 93).
The next day, he confirmed his supremacy in the 500-yard freestyle, winning in 4:15:82, very close to his own personal best (4:14:94) established against the University of Virginia.
These performances make him the most successful athlete at the start of the university season, an honorary but symbolic title in a country where universities compete to attract the best swimmers in the world.
Heading towards university finals and the Olympic Games
The finals of the 2025/2026 university championships will be held from March 25 to 28, 2026 in Atlanta, on the campus of the University of Georgia. Until then, the Tunisian swimmer will have several opportunities to beat the American university record and permanently inscribe his name in the history of North American university sport.
While waiting for the 50-meter pool season, where he will return to Olympic standards, Ahmed Jaouadi confirms that he has reached a new milestone.
Read also
