The first session of the French Elite Championships kicked off with a splash this morning! Six events were contested, five of which serve as potential Olympic qualification events. Get ready for some heart-pumping action as National Record holders take to the pool and strive for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Fast Starts and Olympic Dreams
The morning saw some impressive performances. Lilou Ressencourt, a rising star headed to Cal this fall, shattered the 1:00 barrier in the 100m breaststroke, clocking a blistering 59.74! This incredible feat puts her just a few seconds off her personal best of 58.48 and sets her sights on achieving the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) tonight. She’ll face tough competition from Marie Wattel, the top seed in the event.
Speaking of Wattel, the National Record holder in the 100m butterfly, aims to secure her place in Paris after her impressive sixth-place finish in Tokyo. She’s already achieved the OQT during the qualifying period, but Wattel’s impressive 58.74 this morning shows her determination to make the podium again!
A Race to the Top
While no men cracked the 1:00 mark in the 100m breaststroke this morning, the competition was fierce! Antoine Marc took the lead with a 1:00.75, far exceeding his entry time and securing the top seed for the final. He’s definitely one to watch!
The 400m freestyle was a battle of speed and endurance. David Aubry, a consistent performer, claimed the top spot with a time of 3:50.77. The top seed going into the final, Ahmed Jaouadi, was just behind with a 3:50.87.
National Record Holders Shine
The 100m freestyle saw Charlotte Bonnet make a bold statement. This National Record holder, aiming for her fourth Olympics, topped the qualifiers with a 1:07.75, showing she’s in top form.
Florent Manaudou and Maxime Grousset dominated the 50m butterfly qualifiers. While no Olympic spots are on the line in this event, it’s always thrilling to watch these two legends go head-to-head.
A Day of Thrills and Excitement
The first session of the French Elite Championships has set the stage for a thrilling competition. With National Record holders, Olympic hopefuls, and fierce competition, the pool promises to be abuzz with excitement. Get ready for a night of nail-biting finishes and exhilarating races as swimmers chase their Olympic dreams!
