Tunisia's Hafnaoui wins men's 1,500m freestyle world title
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Hafnaoui's time was less than a second off the world record of 14:31.02 set by China's Sun Yang in 2012.
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Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia celebrates after winning the men's 1500m freestyle final at the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, on Sunday, July 30, 2023. (AP)
On Sunday, Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia won the men's 1,500m freestyle competition at the World Swimming Championship.
Hafnaoui came home in 14:31.54 sec to finish ahead of American Bobby Finke of the United States who finished in 14:31.59, while Sam Short of Australia finished in 14:37.28, putting Hafnaoui in first place.
Hafnaoui's performance was less than a second away from the 2012 world record of 14:31.02 held by China's Sun Yang.
"Bobby is so fast in the end of the race, he just pushed us," Hafnaoui said, adding that it was "so close to the world record" and emphasizing that he "enjoyed the race."
Hafnaoui and Finke faced off after Short, who had led for the majority of the race, faded in the closing stages.
"I think I deserve it," said Hafnaoui.
😱Incredible finish in the men's 1500m free! Only 0.05 was the difference between 🥇HAFNAOUI🇹🇳 and 🥈FINKE🇺🇸#AQUAFukuoka23 #swimming pic.twitter.com/r8Dgl4PqDO
— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) July 30, 2023
Prior to this week, Short defeated Hafnaoui to claim the 400m freestyle crown.
The 400m freestyle champion from the Olympics, Hafnaoui, earned his revenge in the 800m freestyle final, defeating Short after a fierce struggle.
The current Olympic 1,500-meter champion is Finke.
Gregorio Paltrinieri, an Italian who won the event at the Budapest World Championships last year, opted not to defend his title.
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