Oussama Mellouli, the Tunisian bronze and silver medalist at the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships, (25m) has encouraged the UAE to build on the positive start the country has made in the development of swimming.
Tunisian calls for other swimmers to support the sport in the region
“I will definitely come back to swim here,†said Mellouli. “The UAE has taken steps to promote swimming in this part of the world and we should support that.â€
The Tunisian, who was swimming for the first time in a world championships in an Arab country encouraged the UAE authorities to continue the momentum generated by hosting the 10th World Swimming Championships (25m) in Dubai.
This is a great venue and I hope that they will build swimming schools around it and people will take the opportunity to build on all this potential,†said Mellouli after securing his silver medal in the men’s 400m individual medley. The USA’s Ryan Lochte claimed gold and a new world record in the event while Scott Clary, from the USA, won bronze in his first short course world championship final.
Lochte may have won gold, but Mellouli had just as much support as the record-breaking American, with a crowd of Tunisian fans cheering him on.
“They are very supportive. I feel a little bit more pressure because there is more expectation but to be honest it has been a lot of fun so far,†said the athlete, whose main event is the 1500m freestyle.
Dr Khalid al Zahed, Vice-Championships Director said: “I am very happy indeed that Oussama is having such a great championships. He is an excellent role model to youngsters in the region. We also welcome his support on the development of swimming in the UAE.
“Part of our intention in hosting this event was to safeguard the future of swimming in this country encouraging a legacy of youngsters who take part in the sport.â€
Tickets to the Championships are available at the door, at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, located on Dubai Bypass Road (E611).
