The Aquapolis pool in Limoges closed its doors on Sunday evening with two new titles for the Nice swimmers. Charlotte Bonnet continued her incredible haul with a victory in the 50m breaststroke and, at the same time, Anna Santamans claimed the 50m freestyle with a superb time.
It was all about blue during the Limoges week. Yes, the blue of the pool but also that of Olympic Nice Natation. And this Sunday, the last day of competition, was no exception. Two races, two titles for the women from Nice who will all be heading to Russia at the beginning of August.
“Bip Bip” Santamans
Despite struggling at the start of the week due to a painful shoulder (dislocated two weeks ago), the Nice sprinter more than delivered in “her” race. Anna Santamans cruised through the 50m freestyle, finishing in 24.82 seconds, just one hundredth of a second away from her personal record set in Kazan in July 2013. This is the 7th best performance in the world this year, which naturally earns her a spot for Russia. With hard work and being 100% fit, there’s no doubt she can swim even faster.
“I didn’t have a good start to the week. I’m still in pain but I reserved myself for this 50 meters. I’ve run the race over and over in my head these past few days. I’m super happy to secure my ticket for the World Championships,” she stated to Eurosport.
In the same race, Marie Wattel took fourth place in 25.75 seconds, a new personal record while Cloé Hache finished further back, in seventh place with 25.88 seconds, close to her best time.
And it’s 5 for Bonnet!
The loop had to be closed. That’s done, and in a beautiful way. Charlotte Bonnet won her fifth title in five races in the 50m breaststroke, although not a qualifying time. Nevertheless, it’s a good new time of 31.66 seconds confirming the excellent form of the Nice swimmer. Bonnet can leave Limoges with a suitcase full of gold medals and confidence before starting a new cycle of work… after a well-deserved week of rest.
“I can’t complain with five titles, I’m happy. I was a bit apprehensive before arriving here but the form came gradually, it’s good to overcome events. I’m dreading the return to normal when the euphoria will subside,” explained Charlotte Bonnet to Eurosport.
Photo credit: Stéphane Kempinaire FFN
