It’s Official: Camille Lacourt Out of European Championships

Photo by Joao Marc Bosch

NARBONNE, France, August 4. THOUGH it had been widely believed that Camille Lacourt’s hip injury would keep him from racing at this month’s European championships, the world champion made the official announcement Sunday that he’ll be staying home to heal.

“The aim was to rest to allow (his) participation … at the European Championships in Berlin,” according to a statement from the French swimming federation. “But healing requires a longer downtime. After discussion, it was decided that Camille Lacourt will not participate in the competition this summer.”

Lacourt set the 2010 European championships on fire when he came within .15 of Aaron Peirsol’s world record in the 100 backstroke with a 52.11, a time that still stands as the European record. The following year, he tied for gold with countryman Jeremy Stravius at the 2011 world championships in the event.

At the 2012 Olympics, Lacourt was unable to get on the medal stand, placing fourth. He returned to the long course world championships in 2013, winning the 50 backstroke world title and helping France win the 400 medley relay.

Lacourt had suffered a hip injury in May, forcing him to withdraw from several in-season meets. France did not announce a replacement for Lacourt on the European championships roster, but Stravius will be looked on to take the reins in Berlin in two weeks for France in the backstroke events.

Name*

Email*

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