Trio of National Records Fall on Second Night of Swimming at French Championships; Alain Bernard Storms Freestyle

SAINT RAPHAEL, France, June 25. THREE separate French national standards fell, one twice, during the second day of long course meter swimming at the French National Championships held in Saint Raphael from June 24-28. Alain Bernard continued his surge up the sprint freestyle rankings with his second national standard in as many nights. After becoming the third-fastest swimmer in the 50 free with a 21.76 last night to tie Gary Hall Jr., Bernard lowered his French record of 48.56 with a 48.12 in the 100 free for the national crown.

That effort also tied him with Filippo Magnini as the second-fastest swimmer of all time behind only Pieter van den Hoogenband, who has a pair of sub-48 times (47.84 and 47.86) to his credit. Magnini clocked his 48.12 in Montreal on July 28, 2005, while Hoogenband set the world record at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and then clocked the 47.86 in Berlin on July 31, 2002.

In other swimming, Sebastien Rouault knocked a second off the men's 400 IM national standard of 4:18.09 set by Nicolas Rostoucher in 2005 with a time of 4:16.99 to win the championship heat.

Meanwhile, Camille Lacourt first erased a 13-year-old standard (25.71) set by Franck Schott in the men's 50 back with a time of 25.66 in prelims. He then went even further with a time of 25.46 to win the national title.

Hugues Duboscq won the other men's title not decided with a national record with a 2:14.20 in the 200 breast.

In women's action, Laure Manaudou notched a 28.93 in the 50 back, while Coralie Dobral claimed the 200 breast in 2:28.90. Additionally, Camille Muffat took home the 400 IM in 4:47.89, while Alena Popchanka topped the 100 free in 54.75. Also, Tatiana Rouba clocked a 55.55 for fourth place that broke the Spanish national record in the women's 100 free.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x