The quadruple French champion in the 1,500m freestyle reached the heights in his discipline during the European Swimming Championships in Rome. As the race got off to a flying start with 3 swimmers who seemed to be on top, Damien Joly outdid himself and won his first international medal, that of bronze at the European Championships. The one who finished 4th at the last European Championships and finalist at the World Championships had a superb race. Cautious on the first 500m, the Frenchman was able to hold on to finish on the podium. During this 1,500m freestyle, it was the Ukrainian Romanchuk, Olympic vice-champion, who won ahead of the Italian Paltrinieri, world champion and European record holder.
A model of self-sacrifice, Damien Joly, the captain of the France team, achieved a great feat in Munich. “30 years, first international medal. I’m very happy. I stayed focused on me and I manage to stay 3rd, it’s great ”, he reacted to the exit of the basin, for France Télévisions.
This is not the only good news of the day for the French team since the 4 x 200 m mixed freestyle relay won the silver medal, collecting a 10th medal at the European Swimming Championships in Rome. The first torchbearer, Hadrien Salvan passed the baton in 3rd position, the joker Wissam-Amazigh Yebba kept up the pace and even overtook Italy in the last 50m. While powerful, Charlotte Bonnet and Lucile Tessariol then went neck and neck with the British offering a good end to the race. It is finally a beautiful silver medal that the French team won.
A little earlier, in the 100m backstroke final, the two French women in the running failed to win a medal. Emma Terebo, 5th at the World Championships, had made a good start, in 2nd position at the 50m turn, she was then caught up to finish 6th, but appeared all smiles at the exit of the pool: “it’s happiness “. The young Pauline Mahieu, 23 years old and 2nd in the semi-finals, took part in her first international long-course final. She came very close to a feat with a very solid 4th place. “I did everything I could, it’s already great that there are two of us here. It’s a pure pleasure, ”she rejoiced.
Also this Tuesday in swimming, Maxime Grousset qualified for the 50m freestyle final (Wednesday, 6 p.m.). In the men’s 100m backstroke, Mewen Tomac and Yohann Ndoye Brouard, the best time in the semi-final, qualified for the final (Wednesday, 6:10 p.m.).