Charlotte Bonnet won her fourth French championship title in the 100m freestyle this Saturday with a new personal best (53’’94). Credited with world-level performances, the Nice native has reached a milestone and could surprise many at the World Championships in Kazan (August 2-9).
She is the leading lady, at just 20 years old, of these French championships. Coming into the competition with uncertainty following the loss of her friend and confidant Camille Muffat, Charlotte Bonnet has demonstrated unsuspected resilience. With four titles in four races, four qualifications, and three personal records, Fabrice Pellerin’s protégé has exceeded her own expectations.
“For three weeks, there was a lot of self-reflection, and I didn’t want to swim anymore. Today, I’m no longer the same. My strong performances give me confidence,” she said in an interview broadcast on Eurosport.
On Saturday, Charlotte Bonnet was anticipated in the 100m freestyle, her event alongside the 200m, which she brilliantly won on Thursday night. With her training partner, Cloé Hache, and the breakout star of these championships, Béryl Gastaldello, everything was in place for a high-level race with a good time at the end. As usual, the Nice native started cautiously, unlike Gastaldello. It took an intense battle in the final 25 meters for Charlotte Bonnet to touch first. At the finish, an impressive time of 53’’94 marked a new personal best, less than four-tenths of a second shy of the French record held by Malia Metella (53’’49 in 2009). She claimed victory ahead of Béryl Gastaldello (53’’98) and Cloé Hache (55’’27).
“I didn’t think I could swim that fast. I’m happy to confirm my spot in this event. My first 50 wasn’t great; it’s my good finish that saved me today (Saturday),” she explained to Eurosport, holding Camille Muffat’s pink cap.
On Sunday, Bonnet is expected to swim one last race, the 50m breaststroke. Regardless of the outcome, the Nice native has already accomplished great things in the French championships, promising a bright Russian summer if she maintains this form.
Photo credit: Stephane Kempinaire FFN
