The first day of the French Championships in Montpellier and the first title for Olympic Nice Natation. Marie Wattel was crowned French champion in the 100m butterfly with a time of 58’38, not enough to qualify for Rio… unless she gets a wildcard in the coming days.
This is a great start to a big event. Not perfect but in a promising way. With four months to go before the start of the Olympic Games, these French Championships represent the only opportunity to secure a spot for Rio de Janeiro. For the headliners, it’s about not missing their shot; for others, it’s about creating a surprise or adding a line to their track record. This is the case for Marie Wattel. At 18, the ONN butterfly swimmer would have loved to qualify for Rio, especially in her favorite event, the 100m butterfly, but the timing was not in her favor.
Second… but first
Marie Wattel retains her title of French champion, which she won last year in Limoges. Second in the race behind American Kelsi Worrell, the Nice swimmer finished in 58”38, ahead of Béryl Gastaldello by a tenth of a second. Unfortunately, the Olympic qualification was set at 57”67, a significant difference for the two swimmers. Aged 18 and 21, the two French athletes still qualify for the European Championships in London (May 16-22), an opportunity to gain experience in an important continental event.
“It’s disappointing, but things did happen, so it’s a time that reassures me and it’s only the first day. I gave it my all, and I’m proud of my race. The minimum standards are very, very tough, very elitist, and leave no room for the young. The European Championships will be a different scenario, a second opportunity,” said Marie Wattel to beinSports.
The results of the first day
In the other results of the day, Antibes swimmer Damien Joly won the 1500m but missed his qualification by two seconds. Lara Grangeon broke the French record for the 400m individual medley in 4’36”61; she might be picked by the National Technical Direction. Finally, in the 200m individual medley, Ganesh Pedurand is the French champion, setting a new personal best.
Photo credit: Stéphane Kempinaire / KMSP / French Swimming Federation
