Tunisian teen’s stunning reaction after winning gold at Tokyo Olympics

A Tunisian teenager won the hearts of Olympics viewers after his shocked reaction when he realised he had won gold in the 400m men’s freestyle.

Ahmed Hafnaoui of Team Tunisia celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Men's 400m Freestyle. Picture: Al Bello/Getty Images

Tunisian teenager Ahmed Hafnaoui appeared to be just as stunned as anyone when he won the 400m men’s freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, overtaking Aussie Jack McLoughlin to win the gold.

The 18-year-old headed into the race of a the slowest qualifier but managed to pull off a personal best of 3min 43.46 seconds, overhauling McLoughlin, who took home silver, and US swimmer Kieran Smith, who claimed the bronze.

Hafnaoui let out a triumphant roar after looking at the scoreboard at the end of the race and realising he had won gold.

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Ahmed Hafnaoui of Team Tunisia celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Men's 400m Freestyle Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Picture: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

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“I was surprised myself. It’s unbelievable. I just can’t believe it,” he said following his win.

“I felt better in the water this morning than yesterday and that’s it. I’m the Olympic champion now.” It was just Tunisia’s third gold ever in swimming.

“When I saw the flag of my country being raised and I heard the national anthem I had tears in my eyes,” he added.

“I felt so proud. I dedicate this title to all the Tunisian people.”

Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps hailed Hafnaoui for his “unbelievable swim”, noting he knocked almost five seconds of his personal best time.

“The difference between these Olympics and the past, in my opinion, is that every single person in the final has a chance of winning gold – it doesn’t matter if you are in lane one, eight or four, everyone is close,” Phelps told reporters in Tokyo.

“Look at the 400IM (individual medley) – less than a second between first and eighth just to make the final. I just feel like the globe is starting to step up and swim faster and for me it’s fun to watch. It’s amazing to be able to see kids stand up and accomplish their goals.”

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Hafnaoui overtook Aussie Jack McLoughlin to win gold. Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Ahmed Hafnaoui poses with his gold medal. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

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Hafnaoui started in swimming at the age of six when he was signed up for swimming club by his father, who is reportedly a former member of the Tunisia men’s basketball team.

Speaking on Sunday, the 18-year-old said he wants to continue to improve his skills in the water.

Hafnaoui’s gold, combined with compatriot Ons Jabeur’s eye-catching run to the Wimbledon women’s quarter-finals, has allowed sport to provide a welcome distraction for the hard-pressed Tunisian people this summer.

There could be more to come as Hafnaoui bids to add the 800m freestyle title on Tuesday and his idol, double Olympic swimming champion Oussama Mellouli, will attempt to win a third career gold when he tackles the 10 kilometres open water event at the grand old age of 37 on August 5.

Hafnaoui said he has a “great relationship” with Mellouli and wished him well in his upcoming race.

“He wished me good luck before the race. And I wish him well in the 10k open water. He is a legend. I wish to be like him one day,” he said.

– With AFP