Yassmine Baccar: Tunisia’s Rising Sprint Star from the Kerkennah Islands
A Sprinter Forged on Mediterranean Shores
In the world of Tunisian athletics, where distance runners and steeplechasers have historically dominated the spotlight, a young sprinter from an unlikely corner of the country is carving out her own path. Yassmine Baccar, known internationally by the romanized spelling “Jasmine” in World Athletics records, represents a new generation of Tunisian speed merchants determined to put North African sprinting on the map.
Hailing from the Kerkennah Islands—a tranquil archipelago rising just 13 meters above the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia’s eastern coast near Sfax—Baccar’s journey to the national team is as distinctive as her island home. The Kerkennah Islands, known for their fishing traditions, pristine beaches, and slower pace of life, might seem an unusual birthplace for a sprinter chasing fractions of seconds on the track. Yet it is precisely this unique background that shapes her story.
Education and Athletic Development
Currently pursuing studies in Sport and Physical Education, Baccar exemplifies the scholar-athlete ideal that Tunisia’s athletic development programs strive to cultivate. Her academic path reflects a deep commitment not just to competing in athletics, but to understanding the science and methodology behind human performance—knowledge that will serve her well both on and off the track.
As a member of the Tunisian National Team, Baccar has dedicated herself to the demanding discipline of short sprints, focusing primarily on the 100 metres and 200 metres. Her training regimen and competition schedule are balanced against her academic responsibilities, demonstrating the time management skills and dedication required of student-athletes everywhere.
Career Highlights and Personal Bests
Baccar has established herself as one of Tunisia’s premier female sprinters, with personal best performances that demonstrate her developing talent:
100 Metres: 12.78 seconds (July 1, 2023) Achieved at the Tunisian National Championships at Rades Stadium
200 Metres: 28.17 seconds (June 8, 2024)
60 Metres (Indoor): 8.40 seconds (February 16, 2025)* *Performance recorded as not legally wind-aided
Her personal best in the 100 metres, set during the 2023 Tunisian National Championships at the historic Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, marked an important milestone in her development. The performance earned her 846 World Athletics ranking points and established her credentials on the national stage.
Competition Experience
Baccar has gained valuable experience competing at various levels of Tunisian athletics. The Tunisian Championships, held annually at the Radès Olympic Complex—the same venue that hosted the 2001 Mediterranean Games—provides a proving ground for the country’s top athletes. Competing against her compatriots in the cauldron of national championship pressure has helped forge her competitive instincts.
The young sprinter has also had exposure to regional competition, gaining experience against athletes from across the Arab world. These competitions serve as crucial stepping stones for Tunisian athletes seeking to measure themselves against international opposition and work toward qualification standards for continental and world championships.
Tunisian Sprinting in Context
Tunisia’s track and field legacy has been built largely on the accomplishments of middle and long-distance runners. The legendary Mohammed Gammoudi, who won four Olympic medals including gold in the 5000 metres at Mexico City 1968, remains the country’s most decorated track athlete. More recently, Habiba Ghribi brought Tunisia its first Olympic gold medal won by a woman, triumphing in the 3000 metres steeplechase at London 2012 after the original winner was disqualified for doping.
Female sprinting in Tunisia remains a developing area, which makes athletes like Baccar all the more significant. While the country does not yet have female sprinters competing at the elite global level, each generation builds upon the last. Baccar and her contemporaries are laying groundwork for future Tunisian speedsters who may one day challenge for medals at African Championships or beyond.
The Island Backdrop
The Kerkennah Islands, Baccar’s home, consist of two main islands—Chergui and Gharbi—connected by a causeway that dates back to Roman times. With a population of roughly 15,000 permanent residents, the archipelago is intimate and close-knit. The islands are perhaps best known for their traditional fishing methods, particularly the unique “charfia” technique for catching octopus, and for their connection to Tunisian independence leader Habib Bourguiba, who once sought refuge there.
For a young athlete to emerge from such a setting speaks to both natural talent and remarkable determination. Access to elite training facilities, coaching, and competition on the islands would have been limited, meaning Baccar likely had to travel to the mainland—probably to Sfax or the capital Tunis—to pursue her athletic ambitions seriously.
Looking Forward
At this stage of her career, Baccar continues to develop her craft while balancing her studies in Sport and Physical Education. Her 2025 indoor performances suggest she remains active and competitive, with room for continued improvement.
For young Tunisian women interested in sprinting, Baccar serves as an accessible role model—a national team member who is also navigating the same academic challenges many young people face. Her presence in the Tunisian athletics ecosystem helps normalize the pursuit of sprinting excellence for women in a country where such paths have historically been less traveled.
The goals ahead are clear: continued personal best improvements, deeper runs at national championships, and perhaps eventually the opportunity to represent Tunisia at African Championships, Mediterranean Games, or other major international competitions. Each season brings new opportunities to test herself against faster fields and push her limits.
Connect with Yassmine Baccar
Fans and supporters can follow Yassmine Baccar’s journey through her social media presence:
Instagram: @yassmine_baccar TikTok: @yassminebaccar2
Her World Athletics profile can be found under the name “Jasmine Baccar” (athlete code: 15099030), where her official performances and rankings are recorded.
