Mellouli thrilled to be Dubai-bound for FINA World Cup

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  • Superstar: Mellouli is the first African or Arab swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal.

    Tunisian swimming sensation Oussama Mellouli is thrilled to be heading back to the UAE as he hopes to play a role in promoting the sport across the Gulf region.

    Mellouli, who was the first African or Arab swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal and is the first to top the podium in both the pool and open water, will kick off his short course season by contesting the Swimming World Cups in Doha (August 27-28) and Dubai (August 31-September 1).

    The 30-year-old is a fan favourite in the region and is known to transform swimming arenas into football-like cheering atmospheres.

    Mellouli has had great success in the Gulf having competed in the Arab Games in Doha in 2011 where he won 15 gold medals from 16 events he competed in.

    In the World Short Course Championships in Dubai in 2010, Mellouli won four medals at the Hamdan Sports Complex including gold in his 1500m signature event.

    "I am very excited to take part in the Middle Eastern legs of the Swimming World Cup in Qatar and Dubai," Mellouli told Sport360. "I love and support the growth of swimming there and enjoy being part of it all.

    "I am hoping to post some solid times as we kick off the short course season with the World Championships in Qatar in mind."

    Mellouli’s participation in the World Cups is part of his preparation for this year’s short course Worlds which will take place in Doha in December.

    The North African, who lives and trains in the United States, has signed on as an official ambassador for Qatar’s swimming events this year and will be working with young swimmers from the host nation as well as other countries, sharing his experience and passion for the sport.

    "When I was younger we didn’t have world-class training facilities in the region that are capable of hosting major championships like we see in Qatar today," Mellouli had told Gulf Times.

    "I went to the USA to train. It’s important to me to support the development of Arab talent in swimming, sharing my own experiences and using the facilities we have here in the region to do that.

    "With a World Cup and a World Championships being hosted in Qatar this year it’s crucial that we use the power of those events to inspire talent and leave a legacy for the sport.

    "Swimming has changed my life and I’m excited to support young people around the region on their own journeys."

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