Lukas Märtens has been crowned Olympic champion in the 400 meters freestyle, bringing the first medal to the German team at the Summer Games in Paris. The 22-year-old finished with a time of 3:41.78 minutes. In what is undoubtedly the biggest success of his career, Märtens outperformed Australia’s second-placed Elijah Winnington and South Korea’s Kim Woomin.
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Since 1988 in Seoul, no German man had become an Olympic champion in pool swimming. At the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea, then GDR swimmer Uwe Dassler won gold in the 400m freestyle, and Michael Groß won gold in the 200 meters butterfly.
“The last few years have been phenomenal, and now this crowning achievement in this really very, very difficult year,” Märtens enthused on ARD. “Where it seems impossible to stand at the top, that is perhaps where it is most possible.”
During the award ceremony in the roaring swimming arena, Märtens had tears in his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. He repeatedly took deep breaths to not be completely overwhelmed by his emotions. “It was extremely difficult, but it was so beautiful. Everything was just buzzing,” Märtens shared. So many thoughts and people who had supported him over the years went through his mind. He gratefully applauded the euphoric audience.
Health issues do not stop Märtens
Märtens traveled to the Olympics as the top favorite and world annual best. At the German Championships in late April, he had been on world record pace for a long time, ultimately finishing with a time of 3:40.33 minutes. The international competition has now realized: With the protégé of long-distance national coach Bernd Berkhahn, even more is to be expected at the major seasonal highlight than what was seen at recent major events.
Showed his muscles: Lukas Märtens won gold in the 400m freestyle.
Photo: IMAGO/Nordphoto
In previous years, Märtens has already established himself at the top of the world. He won a medal at the World Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He is not hindered by health problems either. A chronic sinusitis has been troubling him for some time and will soon require an intervention. For his great goal, the Olympics, he has so far refrained from surgery. He repeatedly has to take antibiotics.
Märtens only takes a short break
“I think we managed quite well,” said Märtens regarding his health after the heats in the morning. He had qualified as the fastest for the final with a time of 3:44.13 minutes. The atmosphere in the packed La Défense Arena excited him. “I am not used to anything better except in a football stadium,” he stated.
“I am super pumped. My coach prepared me excellently,” Märtens explained. “Health-wise, I have managed everything well. So nothing stands in the way for tonight.” He was right. In the gold race, the second German competitor, Oliver Klemet, finished in seventh place.
For Märtens, it continues already on Sunday morning. He is scheduled for the heat in the 200 meters freestyle. He is also considered a medal contender in this distance. Additionally, starts in the 200 meters backstroke and with the 4×200 meters freestyle relay are planned.