Ukraine’s Mykhailo Romanchuk won gold in the 400 free to open his European Championships but was beaten by German Florian Wellbrock in the 1500. Romanchuk made his way back to the top of the podium in the 800, putting up a time of 7:42.96 that makes him the fastest swimmer in the world this year. Previously, the USA’s Zane Grothe held that top spot at 7:44.57.
Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri took second in 7:45.12, holding off an impressive last 50 from Wellbrock. Wellbrock took bronze in 7:45.60, and those two remain No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the world rankings.
Norway’s Henrik Christiansen put up a strong effort from lane eight, but he ended up fourth in 7:46.75. Other finalists included the Czech Republic’s Jan Micka (7:49.73), Italy’s Domenico Acerenza (7:51.64), France’s Damien Joly (7:56.75) and Croatia’s Marin Mogic (7:58.03).
