WADA sanctions: Bronze medalist, swimmer Habiba Belghith deprived of flag

Swimmer Habiba Belghith won the bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke at the African Swimming Championships taking place in Luanda, Angola. Nevertheless, despite her win, the Tunisian flag was not raised during the medal ceremony, due to WADA sanctions against Tunisia.

Despite her victory, the Tunisian swimmer attended, without moving, a medal ceremony during which the Tunisian flag remained at half-mast. The Tunisian flag is not being raised, the answer is that Tunisia is subject to sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

This is the first time in the history of Tunisian sport that the national flag has been withdrawn during an international competition. In addition, the Tunisian flag will not be raised nor the national anthem played during this competition in the event of a win by a Tunisian swimmer for the gold medal.

These sanctions were inflicted due to non-compliance by the Tunisian sports authorities with the world anti-doping code. Under the WADA decision, Tunisia will not be allowed to organize regional, continental or world competitions in any sporting discipline.