In a video originally shared by Tunisian sports news channel ETTACHKILA, Hafnaoui's family is heard cheering and screaming as they watch him swim in medal contention throughout the race. But as they watch him retake the lead in the final stretch and touch the wall first, their joy is palpable. (Definitely want the sound up for this—just maybe not too high.)
A win is always exciting, but a win by someone who was given slim-to-no chance at even medaling is incredible to watch. Talk about peaking at just the right time. Simply incredible.
A clearly overwhelmed Hafnaoui told NBC, "I just can't believe that. It's amazing."
He said he felt better in the water this morning than yesterday, and that he just put his head in the water. "And that's it," he said.
"I'm Olympic champion now," he added. "I just can't believe."
Congratulations to Hamed Hafnaoui and Tunisia, as well as all of Hafnaoui's loved ones. Thanks for giving us the Olympic thrill we love to see.
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