Ossama Mellouli won Saturday Tunisia's first international swim crown, capturing the 400-metre individual medley at the World Short Course Championship.
According to Tunisia Online, Mellouli, who had been fifth in the 400 IM at Athens and third in last year's long course World Championships, won in 4 mins, 7.02 secs with Britain's Robin Francis second in 4:08.06.
"I'm really happy being the first world champion from Tunisia. It feels great," Mellouli said. "This is the first gold medal ever for my country so that just makes it unbelievable. I'm just so happy right now. It was great to hear our national anthem in the US. I will always remember that."
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
