Doha: Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli was named the Super Star and Best Athlete of the 12th Arab Games Thursday, winning a cash prize of $75,000.
The result was announced in a press conference held by Shaikh Saoud Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the Chairman of the Games Organising Committee, who said: "[The] Doha Games have registered big achievements, especially by the international federations of athletics and swimming recognising the results achieved in the competitions and accepting them as qualifying for the Olympic Games."
Mellouli won the title in style, having claimed 13 gold medals in the different swimming races during the Games and he was one main reason why his country advanced in the medals standings, overtaking hosts Qatar for second place.
Mellouli, who is staying in the USA, where he is studying for a Master degree, is now training for the London Olympic Games, for which he qualified from the Arab Games. He has already won $65,000 for winning the 13 gold medals in the Games, so his his total purse is now $140,000.
Mellouli thanked the Organising Committee and said: "I am happy to have decided to come and help my country in the competitions. I am grateful for the organisers for offering cash prizes for the first time for the winning athletes and I will now use this money to prepare better for the 2012 London Olympic Games."
