ALMERIA, Spain, June 28. THE swimming portion of the Mediterranean Games wrapped up Tuesday with Ous Mellouli producing another splendid performance. But, the Tunisian Olympian wasn’t soaring solo in the final of the 800-meter freestyle, as Mellouli received a strong challenge from France’s Sebastien Rouault.
Negotiating the 16-lap event in 7:54.30, Mellouli narrowly held off Rouault, who touched the wall right behind in 7:54.66. The race was the highlight of the fifth day of action and added to Mellouli’s dazzling performances over the past week. The former University of Southern California standout had already posted impressive triumphs in the 200 and 400 individual medley events. Rouault, meanwhile, was the winner of the 1,500 free.
In the men’s 200 butterfly, Greece’s Ioannis Drymonakos posted a stellar time of 1:57.58 and easily finished ahead of Slovenia’s Ales Abersek (1:59.37). On the female side, the 200 fly victory went to Italy’s Caterina Giacchetti (2:10.01). First-place Italian finishes were also supplied by Giulia Fabbri (32.96) and Alessandro Terrin (28.02) in the 50 breaststroke races. Spain’s Erica Villaecija won the women’s 800 free in 8:38.73.