Ahmed Jaouadi of Tunisia secured his second world title in Singapore on Sunday, winning the men's 1,500m freestyle to complete a remarkable double after his earlier 800m triumph. The 21-year-old held off fierce competition in a gripping final to take gold in 14 minutes 34.41 seconds, with Germany's Sven Schwarz finishing just behind in 14:35.69, and American world record holder Bobby Finke settling for bronze in 14:36.60.
The race turned into a three-man battle in the closing stages, with Jaouadi, Schwarz, and Finke locked in a tense duel with three laps to go. Jaouadi took the lead at the final turn and held off the German in a determined sprint to the wall.
Speaking after the race, Jaouadi described the physical and mental toll of the gruelling distance swim.
"There was a lot of pain and struggle," he said. "But I knew everyone else was hurting too. I just tried to be the strongest mentally. My body was screaming, but my mind kept saying, 'I want this medal.'"
Jaouadi's victory in the 800m freestyle earlier in the week marked his first major international title. His performance in the 1,500m cements his status as one of the sport's rising stars.