Here are some of the most popular and accomplished athletes from Tunisia, who have made their mark in both African and global sports arenas:
1. Ons Jabeur (Tennis)
- WTA Top 10 player and global icon.
- First Arab and African woman to:
- Reach a Grand Slam final (Wimbledon & US Open, 2022).
- Win a WTA 1000 title.
- Known for her creative playing style and nicknamed the “Minister of Happiness” in Tunisia.
2. Oussama Mellouli (Swimming)
- Tunisia’s most decorated Olympian.
- Olympic gold medalist in:
- 1500m freestyle (Beijing 2008)
- 10km open water swim (London 2012)
- Has won multiple world championships in pool and open water swimming.
3. Habiba Ghribi (Athletics)
- Specializes in 3000m steeplechase.
- Olympic silver medalist (London 2012) – later upgraded to gold after doping disqualification of the original winner.
- One of Tunisia’s most successful female track athletes.
4. Marwa Amri (Wrestling)
- Won Tunisia’s first Olympic wrestling medal (bronze) at Rio 2016.
- Multiple-time African champion and top competitor in international tournaments.
5. Wael Jallouz (Handball)
- Played for top European clubs like FC Barcelona Handbol and THW Kiel.
- Star player for the Tunisian national handball team.
- Helped Tunisia place in top ranks in African Handball Championships and World Championships.
6. Salah Mejri (Basketball)
- First Tunisian and Arab player in the NBA, playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
- Key figure in Tunisia’s national basketball team, which has won multiple AfroBasket titles.
7. Ines Boubakri (Fencing)
- Won bronze medal in women’s foil at Rio 2016 Olympics.
- First Arab and African woman to win an Olympic medal in fencing.
- Strong advocate for women in sports.
8. Ahmed Hafnaoui (Swimming)
- Shock gold medalist in 400m freestyle at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at just 18 years old.
- One of Tunisia’s brightest young talents in international swimming.
