SAINT RAPHAEL, France, June 26. AFTER an intense first two days of long course meter competition featuring four French national records, the French National Championships showcased no national standards on the third day. But, Laure Manaudou pocketed another gold medal with a 4:03.38.
The time was just a second-and-a-half off her world record of 4:02.13, and is among the top five swims in the event this year.
In the 100 butterfly events, Alena Popchanka added the title to her 100 free crown from yesterday with a 59.11. She held off Aurore Mongel, who touched in 59.84 for second. In the men's event, Frederick Bousquet touched out Amaury Leveaux, 53.65 to 53.69, for the title.
Esther Baron, the national record holder in the event, dominated the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:10.69, while Pierre Roger clocked a 2:00.18 to win the men's race over Camille Lacourt's second-place 2:00.85.
In the men's 400 freestyle, Sebastien Rouault took home another national title with a time of 3:50.28, while French record holder Nicolas Rostoucher finished second in 3:51.76.