French Trials, Day 6 Finals: Maxime Grousset & Leon Marchand Cap Trials With Latest Victories, 30 Nominated For Selection
The program for Maxime Grousset at a home Olympics will be packed, as the Frenchman added a third event on the last day of the French Trials. Already qualified for the Paris Games in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, Grousset clocked a mark of 50.59 to prevail in the 100 butterfly. That effort enabled Grousset to finish ahead of Clement Secchi (51.17), who edged Mehdy Metella (51.30) for the second spot.
Leon Marchand, who is expected to be the face of the Games this summer, confirmed his fourth individual event when he cruised to victory in the 200 individual medley. Marchand covered his four laps in 1:56.33, which was nearly three seconds clear of Yohann Ndoye-Brouard (1:59.12). Marchand is ready to take on a demanding schedule at the Olympics, one that will include the 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 butterfly and 200 breaststroke.
The women’s 50 freestyle featured a three-way battle that came down to the touch. Ultimately, the two Olympic nods went to Beryl Gastaldello (24.51) and Melanie Henique (24.53), as they clipped Marie Wattel, who was timed in 24.57. In other action, Charlotte Bonnet won the women’s 200 individual medley in 2:11.18.
In the men’s 1500 freestyle, David Aubry (14:51.03) and Damien Joly (14:51.62) secured their tickets to the Olympics.
I think Leon has the IM Golds pretty much as a lock at Paris. Its the other two events that will be very interesting. Obviously as an Aussie I hope ZSC can win the 200m Breastroke again (and ThreePeaty in the 100m!). But Leon ahead of the Chinese supposed drug abuser would be welcome for any medal!
The 200m Butterfly I hope he clinches too.
American here, yeah I agree. Anyone but the supposed steroid abusers in China (and Russia too probably)