They did it. The girls of Olympique Nice Natation (ONN) are French champions for the sixth time in their history. The team from Nice defeated their opponents from Lille with a score of 7 to 3 at the end of a well-conducted match. This is the fifth consecutive time they have won the national 1F title.
The explosion of joy expressed at the final whistle by ONN players reflects the scale of their achievement. The solidarity displayed by the team from Nice was crucial.
Seldom troubled in this return final, ONN led the score throughout the game. It must be said that the Riviera club could count on a stellar performance from Perrine Metay, who scored three goals in this match.
The Lille team could never reverse the trend, as they were overwhelmed by the power and determination of the Nice collective. Driven by a full house that supported them, Marc Vidil’s players also made sure to pay tribute to the two departing members of the team.
Elise Lefert and English player Angela Smith Winstanley are leaving for different reasons. But their final match will undoubtedly remain etched in their memories. The French player, still emotional, said: “I am feeling all the emotions at once after this match. Happiness for this title and this extraordinary adventure, and sadness because it’s my last match.”
At just 23 years old, she is likely to prioritize another professional project. Regardless, the club’s tribute to its two players brought some tears.
For the next season, the ONN girls will attempt to win their sixth consecutive title to surpass Créteil and Nancy, the only two clubs to have achieved this feat.
