The Olympic champion Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui is the pride of Tunisia

Audio 01:12

Tunisian Ahmed Hafnaoui exults after his final victory in the 400 m freestyle, in Tokyo, July 25, 2021 © Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

4 min

He created a surprise during these Olympic Games.

At just 18, Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui left Tokyo with a gold medal.

Imposing before the American and Australian stars of the discipline.

A victory that has put balm in the hearts of Tunisians, while the country is going through a deep crisis.

Publicity

Read more

With our correspondent in Tunis,

Matthias Raynal

In this café in the medina, the television broadcasts sports programs continuously.

And it's like that everywhere in Tunis.

Tunisians are a nation of supporters, so

Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui's gold medal

conquered his country.

“ 

When you see social networks, the reaction of people, the number of shares, the joy of Tunisians, it's a very good thing! 

Exclaims 21-year-old Shaima Dhibi.

"

 Positive energy 

"

The victory of Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui allowed many to break with the prevailing gloom.

Ali Hajjaj is 27 years old and is an actor.

He is delighted with what this medal has brought to the country: “

 It was a positive energy for us in relation to the general situation.

At the economic, social, health level ... on everything in fact, we are a little disgusted by the situation in Tunisia.

 "

Fate wanted the champion to accomplish his feat on the feast of the Republic.

Last July 25… when Kaïs Saïed granted himself extended powers.

So this victory is an important symbol according to Ali: “

 Thank you to Hafnaoui for giving us the opportunity to believe in something good.

We are always looking for sources of inspiration for us.

 "

Tunisia left the Olympics with two medals.

Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi completes the picture, he was crowned Olympic vice-champion in Taekwondo.

Newsletter

Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Tunisia

  • Olympic Games

  • Swimming

  • 2020 Olympics