According to Reuters, Michael Phelps hailed Ahmed Hafnaoui for his “unbelievable swim” on Sunday, saying the 18-year-old Tunisian’s shock victory in the men’s 400m freestyle was a great example of how swimming at the Tokyo Games is likely to have a series of wide open races.
Hafnaoui was the slowest qualifier but, from lane eight, held off fancied Australian Jack McLoughlin and American Kieran Smith for a huge upset.
“Unbelievable swim, I think he knocked almost five seconds off his pb (personal best), Phelps told reporters in Tokyo. “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.
“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. Its amazing to be able to see kids stand up and accomplish their goals.”explained Phelps.
It should be noted that, the 18-year-old swimmer scored a time of 3 minutes and 43 seconds, the third best time this year, ahead of Australian Jack McLaughlin and American Kieran Smith
Hafnaoui dominated the race since its inception and was the first to arrive, to win the second gold in swimming after the coronation of the American Chase Kailich in the 400m medley.
