It is The Ibn Khaldun Award Program Steering Committee's pleasure to announce that Mr Oussama Mellouli has been selected as the recipient of the second annual Ibn Khaldun Award for his distinguished service to the Tunisian-American community.

The Selection Committee believes that Mr Mellouli's athletic accomplishments at international competitions since 2001 have contributed to promoting the good image of Tunisia on the World Stage. The Committee also believes that, in pursuing athletic and academic excellence in the United Sates, Mr Mellouli made a very good Tunisian civilian ambassador to American Universities.  

On January 5, 2006, the Olympic Champ and USC Student took precious time out of his hectic schedule, and very graciously agreed to do an online/telephone interview for the Tunisian Community Gazette (conducted by its Editor).

TCG: Happy New Year, Oussama!

OM: Happy New Year. “kul Aam Wantum Bkhir”!
TCG: I would like to start this interview off on a lighter note: Sports reporters had nicknamed  you, “The Tunisian Torpedo”!...What do you think of that?
OM: It is OK!...I have been given all kinds of nicknames!
TCG: Let’s start at the beginning. For those who did not know it: when did you first come to the US?
OM: I first came to the US in August 2002, 31/2 years ago.
TCG: “What brought you here”!
OM: College. The University of Southern California in Los Angeles was my top choice because it has a great engineering program and one of the best swimming coaches in the world.
TCG: What do you study?
OM: I study computer engineering.
TCG: How do you find life at USC campus?
OM: Life is great here. I have all I need to succeed in both swimming and school. The people are very welcoming and genuinely nice.
TCG: and L.A.?...
OM: L.A. is a typical big city...but I love it.
TCG: I am sure many of your fans are curious of what would a typical day be for you.
OM: Wake up at 5:30. Go to the pool: Swim from 6 to 8-8:30, then classes from 8-noon. Lunch break, then practice from 2 to 5. Classes from 5 to 7. Then dinner, homework, then bedtime...and start over the next day. :)
TCG: What is your Hometown in Tunisia?
OM: La Marsa.
TCG: You had an interest in swimming at an early age, did you not?
OM: I started swimming very young, at the age of 3(!). My oldest brothers were swimmers and I followed their steps towards the water. My Mom was the one who pushed us to practice this sport.
 

(TCG: Thank You Mrs Mellouli!!!)

TCG: Give us a quick History of your athletic career.
OM: Here are the main highlights of my career:
-2001: silver medal at the Mediterranean games in Tunis
-2003: Bronze medal at the World Championships in Barcelona
-Named Tunisian Athlete of the year 2003
-2004: 5th at the Olympic games in Athens
-World champion in Indianapolis and Bronze medalist in the same World Championships
-Named Tunisian Athlete of the year 2004
-2005: NCAA champion (champion des universités americaines)
-3 Gold medals at the Mediterranean Games in Almeria
-2 Bronze medals at the World Championships in Montreal
...Plus many African Titles.
-African Record Holder in three Events,
-Tunisian record holder in almost all the events,
-Named Most Valuable Swimmer for the University of Southern California for 2 years in a row (2003-2004)....
TCG: Do you have a website?
OM: I have a webpage at the USC website: http://usctrojans.collegesports.com/sports/m-swim/mtt/mellouli_ous00.html, I also have my own website:
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~oman/ITP104/OusWebsite/HomePage.htm
TCG: What are your future goals?...First, professionally.
OM: In the short term: Graduate, in 2007 with a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, and my long term goal is to pursue a career in Flying.
TCG: How about in swimming.
OM: I will be participating in the upcoming NCAA championships scheduled in March 2006. And then, on to Shanghai for the
World Swimming Championships in April. For the long term: I hope to win a medal for Tunisia at the 2008 Olympic Games, and stay in the top 3 world rankings for as long as possible
TCG: We appreciate you taking the time for this interview. One final
Question: You are considered a role model for young Tunisians and Tunisian-Americans, so in closing, what message would you like to send to them?
OM: I wish them all the best of luck in their fields of endeavors. As Tunisians, we have many qualities that could serve us right in this land of opportunity, so with hard work and determination, us Tunisians can make a difference in the United States. Best wishes for this New Year 2006, and may all your dreams come true! "If you believe it, you CAN achieve it!".