Maxime Grousset Continues 100 Free Success At French Championships

Maxime Grousset underlined his current dominance of the domestic 100 free at the French Winter National Championships.

Grousset – who was fifth at the European Championships in Budapest in May – won in 48.45, just his 11th speediest effort of 2021 but one that only he has bettered in French waters this year.

The 22-year-old split 23.30/25.15 and was the sole swimmer to break 49secs as Charles Rihoux came home in 49.09.

Jeremy Desplanches added the 200IM to the longer medley he won on Saturday.

The Olympic bronze medallist traded the lead with Mewen Tomac and held off the Frenchman on the freestyle to win in 1:59.41 to 1:59.73.

That came 17 minutes after Tomac had won the 50 back in 25.19.

Sacha Velly set an age group record of 15:01.86 to win the men’s 1500 free by more than 17secs ahead of David Aubry who went past Damien Joly on the final 100 to stop the clock at 15:19.50 with the latter clocking 15:19.92.

Marie Wattel added the 100 fly to her 50 free victory in 58.50, 0.71secs ahead of Lilou Resencourt (59.21).

Anna Egorova had a comfortable victory in the 400 free, clocking 4:09.09, more than three seconds clear of second-placed Charlotte Bonnet (4:12.19).

Mary-Sophie Harvey of Canada won the women’s 200 back in 2:10.60 with Bertille Cousson the first Frenchwoman home in second in 2:11.52.

Carl Aitkaci won the men’s 50 breaststroke (27.66).