This is no longer just a sports story, but a true national crisis: like many of their fellow citizens, numerous high-level Tunisian athletes are seeking any opportunity to leave their country and find refuge, both in terms of sports and economics, in a host nation offering better prospects.
Tunisian national television reported on Monday, August 31, 2026, that Ahmed Laabidi, a member of the national gymnastics team, left the Mediterranean Games village in Taranto, Italy, yesterday and has not returned.
Laabidi was scheduled to participate today in the artistic gymnastics qualifications starting at 1 PM; however, he has yet to reappear, leading to speculation that he has fled to another location or country.
Three other Tunisian athletes had already left the Mediterranean village and the Tunisian delegation for various destinations: wrestler Chahd Jeljli (the first to be reported missing during the competitions), pétanque player Mohamed Amine Saidi (who disappeared during the delegation's return at either Rome or Bari airport), and weightlifter Mohamed Amine Bouhajba (who went missing at Rome airport just before departure).
It is noteworthy that Chahd Jeljli, only 20 years old, headed to France and explained her decision in a message that puts the sports authorities in a difficult position and deeply touches the hearts of Tunisians.
Laabidi thus becomes the fourth athlete to escape from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, a situation that raises many questions about the fate of elite athletes, particularly those involved in individual sports: often overlooked and left to fend for themselves. Who could blame them?
I. B.
