Michael Phelps is undoubtedly one of the greatest Olympians of all-time. With 23 gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in his Olympic career, he knows the feeling of tasting success at the global sporting spectacle.
Earlier today, 18-year-old Tunisian Ahmed Hafnaoui shocked the world by clinching a gold medal in the men’s individual 400m freestyle event.
Despite facing tough competition in Australia’s Jack McLoughlin and USA’s Kieran Smith, the youngster caused a major upset in swimming.
Michael Phelps, full of praise for Hafnaoui after shock win in Tokyo Olympics 2020
Hafnaoui was the slowest qualifier in the run-up to the final. While he started the final in Lane 8, McLoughlin on Lane 2 and Smith on Lane 7 looked favorites to battle for the gold. However, the Tunisian gave both the experienced swimmers a rude shock in the final.
Despite trailing McLoughlin by 0.31s at the 350m mark, the 18-year-old finished the last 50m in stunning fashion. He finished 0.16s ahead of the Australian to clinch Tunisia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.
After proceedings ended on Day 2, Phelps heaped praise on the Tunisian. In addition, he used his victory to detail how Olympic swimming has evolved since his last appearance in Rio.
He said, “Unbelievable swim, I think he knocked almost five seconds off his PB (personal best). 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.”
READ MORE: 14-Year old Canadian Child Prodigy Swimmer Summer McIntosh Lights Up Tokyo Olympics 2020
Phelps: The globe is starting to step up and swim faster
The 36-year-old also mentioned how the competition was fierce just to get into the finals in other swimming disciplines today. While mentioning the 400m individual medley, he admitted watching the youngsters step up makes him happy.
He said, “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.”
The USA ended up with just one gold medal in swimming on Day 2 in Tokyo. However, Hafnaoui’s shock victory augurs well for the future of swimming, with the 18-year-old proving nothing is impossible.
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