Tunis: Defending Olympic gold medalist Ahmed Hafnaoui will not compete in this summer’s Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday.
Tunisian Olympic Committee leader Mehrez Bousyan had recently made the announcement on a sports television show. Africa Aquatics confirmed the news with Ahmed Hafnaoui, who also said he has declined to resume training in the U.S.
Hafnaoui, who won gold in the 400 freestyle in Tokyo, would have been a medal contender in the 400 freestyle, 800 free and 1500 free in Paris.
He won gold in the 800 and 1500 at the 2023 World Championships and was the silver medalist in the 400.
His most recent international competition was the 2024 World Championships, where he finished 17th in the 400 free (3:48.05), 17th in the 1500 free (15:09.72) and 18th in the 800 free (7:51.72).
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse