16th FINA World Championships

July 24 - August 9, 2015

OUSSAMA MELLOULI: 10 KILOMETRES OF ADVENTURES

22.07.2015, 13:35 The first Olympic champion to successfully perform in both open water and in the SPORT pool had a training session at the Aquatics Palace today. Tunisia's top athlete of 2003-2004 only arrived in Kazan yesterday evening.

If in Beijing won gold in the 1,500m freestyle, his London success is associated with open water, where he swam 10km in 1:49:55.1, overtaking from Germany and Richard Weinberger from Canada.

The 31-year-old swimmer talked about his plans for the Championships in Kazan, having just come out of the water on his way to a warm-up. The athlete's schedule is tough.

- You ended the 16-year dominance of the Australians in the 1,500 metres at the Olympic Games in Beijing, but who do you now see as the open water rivals?

- I really don't know, I think there aren't any obvious favourites in open water , and anyone can win. My main goal is to be one of the first 10 and earn a place in the Olympic Games.

- Have you decided on your short distances at the Championships in Kazan? 1,500 or 800 metres?

- I'm now focusing on 10 km. That is my first distance. I'll decide after the race. It will depend on how I feel.

- The last time you were in Russia was 13 years ago. How do you rate the work of the organisers this time?

- I really don't recognise Russia. Comparing Kazan now with how it was in Moscow in 2002, everything feels different, and I see a lot of progress.

- Where is it more comfortable for you to perform: in the open water or a swimming pool?

- You know, at this point in my career I love open water more, simply because it's such an adventure, a journey. The distance requires a lot of effort, including mental effort. Here there's a fight, and tactics, not just swimming back and forth. You decide yourself how to go all the way. It's a great challenge.

- You are going to win, aren't you?

- I don't know (smiles). We'll see!

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships

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