3-time Olympian (Tunisia)
2008 Olympic Gold Medalist (1500m freestyle)
2004 World Champion (400m IM short course)
2005 NCAA Champion (400y IM)
8 African Swimming Records
Born On: February 16, 1984
Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia
Resides: Los Angeles, California
Education: University of Southern California (Computer Engineering, Sports Management)
NATIVE HERO
Oussama ‘Ous’ Mellouli first came to the United States to study and swim at the University of Southern California. Knowing only basic English, the Tunisian native dove in headfirst and came out an Olympic Champion. He took full advantage of the opportunity, winning an NCAA Championship and earning All-American honors while studying computer engineering and sports management.
Mellouli is translating his Olympic success into an ambassadorial role, empowering others in his native Tunisia, while educating Americans on diplomacy and cultural awareness.
Mellouli became a national hero in his native Tunisia when he won Olympic Gold in the 1500-meter freestyle swim at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In doing so, he became the first man to defeat Australian Olympic gold medalist Grant Hackett in the event in over a decade.
The feat was made even more remarkable by the fact that Mellouli was diagnosed with two herniated disks the month before and was limited in his training as a result. Many were doubtful if he would even compete.
Mellouli’s victory broke barriers, as he was the first and only African male to win an Olympic swimming championship. As a role model to thousands of Tunisian teenagers, the Tunisian President formally recognized Mellouli. A pioneer of African swimming, Mellouli holds 8 African swimming records and 3 Mediterranean records.
Just 24 years old, it was already his third Olympic appearance for the Tunisian National Team. The two-time Tunisian Sportsman of the Year competed while in high school at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and placed 5th in the 400 IM at the 2004 Athens Games.
TUNISIAN TORPEDO
In the pool at the age of three, Mellouli didn’t start competitive swimming until he moved to Marseilles, France to attend high school at the age of 15. Quickly, he began to shine, winning a silver medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games as a 17 year old.
He would go on to capture short course gold at the 2003 World Championships in Indianapolis. He also medaled at the long course world championships in 2003 and 2005.
The recommendation to attend swimming power USC came from his high school coach, who felt he should take the opportunity to receive a scholarship based on his swimming abilities.
