The swimmer stunned the world in Tokyo.
The first big name of the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi has been revealed and they are of a gold standard.
Tunisia’s Olympic gold medalist, Ahmed El Hafnaoui, will be taking to the pool at the Etihad Arena this December as he looks to continue his superb form which saw the 18-year-old swimmer win the 400-metre freestyle event in Tokyo in a world record time.
The swimmer will compete with the elite field at this year’s championships on Yas Island with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council promising more flagship names to be announced.
El Hafnaoui will join the likes of other Arab representatives at the pool including Emirati talent Layla Al Khatib, and Youssef Al Matrooshi, who represented the UAE in the 100m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Held across 16 to 21 December, the meet will see more than 1,000 athletes from 180 nations descend on the capital to compete for some 44 world championship titles and a prize pot of $2.8 million.
Tickets for the event went on sale last week and ticketholders will not only have access to the action in the Etihad Arena, but also the World Aquatics Festival which will host the FINA High Diving Qualifier, the ultimate leg of the FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021, a new Open Water Swimming Mixed Relay event and a FINA Diving Team Exhibition.
The family-friendly event will also include Market Street – an interactive village with entertainment, cultural learning experiences, retail booths and food and beverages stalls.
Tickets for the event start from AED 10 and can be purchased online at Etihad Arena.
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