Strong name!

Indeed, his friends know him as Ous.

So, tell me more.

Mellouli is one of the most promising athletes representing Tunisia in the 2012 Olympic Games. He won a gold medal in the 1500m freestyle swim at Beijing, becoming the first African male to win gold in an individual swimming event.

Not only that, but Ous is also an African record holder in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle swimming events!

What exactly is freestyle swimming?

Mellouli’s event is the 1500m freestyle swim, which is a 30-length race and is the fastest swim event at the Olympics.

How many medals has he won over the years?

Oussama first started competing in 2003, and since then he has won 27 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals at various championships across the world in places such as Barcelona, Rome, and Montreal.

Wow! Where did this swimming-extraordinaire grow up?

28 year old Ous was born in Tunisia, in a small town called La Marsa, just north of the capital Tunis.

At the age of 15, he began training as a freestyle swimmer in France, and went on to train and study at the University of South California in the US, where he graduated with a degree in computer engineering and computer science.

What are his chances at winning a medal in London?

The BBC described Mellouli as “one to watch,” and, judging by his successful record, he has a good chance of bringing back a medal to his home country. He does face tough competition from swimmers such as American Michael Phelps, who has won 16 Olympic medals, but that shouldn’t stop his stride..or stroke!

What are the media saying?

“One to watch” - BBC Sport

“World and Olympic swimming champion Oussama Mellouli was given a hero's welcome at Tunis International Airport” - ITN

“A new star was born at the Beijing Olympics in 2008” - Telegraph

What has Ous said about his Olympic success?

"It’s great to be the first to accomplish those things and hopefully a lot more Tunisians, North Africans, Arabs and Africans will breakthrough in the World of swimming."

About Tunisia

Area:  63,170 sq miles

Population:  10,549,100 (World Bank, 2010)Capital:  Tunis

Languages: Arabic and French

Currency: Tunisian Dinar

Did you know? 98 per cent of the population are Muslims.