The Algerian contingent experienced another emotion-filled day, Sunday in Taranto, during the 20th Mediterranean Games, capturing three medals, including one gold and two bronzes, raising the overall tally earned so far by Algeria to 20, placing 12th in the general standing with three gold, five silver, and twelve bronze.
In athletics, Tarek Hocine handed Algeria a bronze medal in the long jump event. The Algerian contestant delivered an 8.03 m jump on his initial attempt, an achievement that also sets a fresh personal record. He finished behind Italian Francesco Ettore Inzoli, winner with 8.19 m, and Croatian Filip Pravdica, second with 8.14 m. The day was further marked by another bronze medal in women’s artistic gymnastics, secured in the team contest. The Algerian squad accumulated 151.700 points, finishing behind Italy, gold medalist with 157.750 points, and Spain, second with 155.900 points. This achievement proves all the more encouraging as the Algerian squad held top spot for a long period before ultimately yielding to the two European teams. In the same discipline, Kaylia Nemour advanced to the finals across four apparatuses scheduled for Tuesday, offering further strong medal opportunities. In athletics, Sunday’s schedule enabled Algeria to place two of its top 800m specialists into the final. Djamel Sedjati won his heat in 1 min 46 sec 25, whereas Slimane Moula finished second in his heat in 1 min 46 sec 78. These two qualifications unquestionably represent the main grounds to hope for a fresh medal haul Monday. The 800m final, featuring two Algerian representatives at the starting line, could thereby allow Algeria to target a new title or, barring that, multiple spots on the podium.