Tunisian star Ahmed Hafnaoui returns to competition with an impressive win over Bobby Finke at TYR Swim Series in Knoxville - results

The Tokyo 2020 400m freestyle Olympic champion has made few competitive appearances since his golden moment

1 minBy Scott Bregman
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(2021 Getty Images)

Tokyo 2020 400m freestyle gold medallist Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia won the men's 800m freestyle in his return to competition Wednesday (11 January) at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Knoxville, Tenn.

Hafnaoui clocked a 7:53.10, holding off Americans Bobby Finke (7:56.97) and Charlie Clark (7:58.16). Finke is the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 800m free.

Since his triumph at the Tokyo Games, Hafnaoui has made few competitive appearances but did pick up a silver medal at the short course worlds in the 1500m in December 2021. He did not compete in any major events during the 2022 season including the World Championships, which were held in Budapest.

In the women's 800m, Katie Grimes, a Tokyo Olympian, won with an 8:27.73 time, followed by Claire Weinstein (8:32.60) and Bella Sims (8:34.04).

Competition in Knoxville continues through Saturday with stars Katie Ledecky, Simone Manuel, Regan Smith, Kylie Masse, Ryan Murphy and Olivia Smoliga set to swim.

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