French Freestyle Star Maeline Bessard to Join Florida Gators’ Swimming & Diving Program in 2026
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The University of Florida women’s swimming & diving team has added a significant international talent to its roster, with the signing of Maeline Bessard, a standout freestyler from Lyon, France. Bessard will join the Gators for the Fall 2026 semester, bringing with her a decorated competitive history and a clear ambition to excel at the collegiate level.
“We are so excited to have Maeline joining us this fall,” said Associate Head Coach Kristin Walker. “What stuck out about Maeline during the recruiting process is her desire to be challenged, passion for racing, and eagerness to join teammates that also have high goals. Cannot wait to see the impact she will make!”
Bessard’s competitive journey has been marked by consistent success on the French national stage. She achieved a notable second-place finish in the 200-meter freestyle at the 2024 French Championships, demonstrating her potential in a demanding event. Her dominance at the 2024 French Junior Championships further solidified her reputation, as she secured titles in the 100, 200, and 400-meter freestyles, alongside runner-up finishes in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke. More recently, at the 2025 French Junior Championships in Angers, France, Bessard continued to impress, earning top-five finishes in multiple individual events and proving her versatility. She is also a valuable asset in relay competitions.
The incoming Gator cited the University of Florida’s academic strength and commitment to student-athlete success as key factors in her decision. “I chose UF because of its academic reputation and commitment to student success,” Bessard stated. “UF offers high quality programs with modern facilities. In addition, the conversations I had with the coaches were productive and confirmed my commitment to the university.”
A Look at Bessard’s Recent Performances
Bessard’s 2025 competition schedule was packed with high-level meets across Europe, providing a comprehensive view of her current form and capabilities.
At the 5èmes France Junior Championships 25m in Angers, France (December 10-14, 2025), Bessard achieved impressive times, finishing 4th in the 50m Free (25.28), 4th in the 100m Free (55.08), 2nd in the 200m Free (1:58.34), and 4th in the 400m Free (4:12.57).
The Summer Swiss Championship (July 10-13, 2025, Lausanne, SUI) saw her place 12th in the 50m Free (26.69), 4th in the 100m Free (57.53), and 2nd in the 200m Free (2:02.70). She also competed in the 50m Fly, finishing 30th with a time of 29.52.
Bessard showcased her talent on an international stage at the LEN European Junior Championships (July 1-6, 2025, Samorin, SVK), achieving a 22nd place finish in the 100m Free prelims (27.25) and a 16th place finish in the 200m Free Finals (2:02.18).
Her performance at the French Elite Swimming Championships (June 14-19, 2025, Montpellier, FR) included a 20th place finish in the 50m Free (26.20), 15th in the 100m Free (56.13), and 7th in the 200m Free (2:01.56). She also competed in the 400m Free (10th, 4:21.65), 100m Back (41st, 1:06.87), and 200m Back (33rd, 2:24.77).
Further demonstrating her consistency, Bessard recorded times of 26.83 in the 50m Free Prelims (31st), 56.83 in the 100m Free Prelims (28th), and 2:03.45 in the 200m Free Finals (15th) at the 37th International Meeting of Canet-en-Roussillon (May 24-25, 2025, Canet-en-Roussillon, FRA).
At the 6es France Jr. Championships (April 15-20, 2025, Rennes, FROM), Bessard excelled, securing 4th place in the 50m Free (26.54), 4th in the 100m Free (56.49), 3rd in the 200m Free (2:00.97), and a gold medal in the 400m Free (4:17.78).
The Edinburgh International (March 14-16, 2025, Edinburgh, SCO) saw Bessard achieve 18th in the 50m Free (26.38), 16th in the 100m Free (56.65), 6th in the 200m Free (2:00.93), and 6th in the 400m Free Prelims (4:19.08).
Bessard also competed at the 25th CMCM Euro Meet (January 31-February 2, 2025, Luxembourg, LUX), finishing 9th in the 100m Free (56.77), 3rd in the 200m Free (2:01.14), and 20th in the 100m Back (1:06.97). Finally, she earned a bronze medal in the 200m Free (2:01.46) at the Challenge International de Geneve (January 24-26, 2025, Geneve, SUI).
Staying Connected with the Gators
Fans can follow the Florida Gators swimming & diving teams on X at @GatorsSwimDv, like their Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving, and stay updated on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
