Yannick Agnel Reflects on Frustrating 200 Free and Likely End of Career

Photo Courtesy: Gian Mattia Dalberto/Lapresse

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By David Rieder

While the men’s 200 free semifinals and final will be filled with familiar faces, the man who won the Olympic gold medal four years ago and the World title in 2013 will not be involved.

France’s Yannick Agnel finished 19th in 1:47.35, two tenths out of the top 16 and more than four seconds slower than he swam on his way to gold in London.

“I knew it was going to be tough to get in tonight,” Agnel said. “In French, we say ‘having the weapons to compete.’ I knew I didn’t have all of the weapons for this morning, so I tried to go as fast as I could. I knew I would get in with 1:46-something, so I was aiming for that.

“I have no regrets because I gave it my all this morning, but I am disappointed and sad that I couldn’t defend my title.”

Agnel acknowledged that the past four years have been difficult for him, and he almost missed out on the chance to swim the 200 free in Rio. He appeared to finish second in the event at France’s Olympic Trials in March, but a touchpad malfunction appeared to leave him third.

Jordan Pouthain eventually did step aside for Agnel, but success in Rio was not to be.

Agnel actually went out strong in his prelims swim—his 100 split of 51.63 was tied for the seventh-best split in the field—but he faded badly down the stretch, chugging home in 28.30 on the last 50.

And immediately afterwards, Agnel admitted that he had probably raced for the last time in an individual event.

“I still have to stay focused for the 4×200 for my friends, my team, my country,” he said. “I know where I want to go, and it’s probably not in the water anymore.”

Agnel will be on hand in this evening’s finals as France pursues its second-straight gold medal in the men’s 400 free relay. He won’t be a member of the squad this time, but four years ago, he anchored the French squad to gold, coming from behind to touch out Ryan Lochte at the end.

And Agnel certainly hopes that tonight, his teammates will pick up where he left off.

“We know we don’t have the best weapons, but we know how to do it—we know how to deal with adversity, how to deal with tough competition,” he said. “The 4×100 is my baby as well, so I hope they will take care of it.”

As for the individual 200 free, Agnel still seemed interested in the outcome, even if he would not be going any further in that one himself.

When asked who he expected to win gold, Agnel joked that he better answer Paul Biedermann to ensure that the German reporter asking would not bite his finger off.

“It’s going to be very close. Actually I have no idea. These guys are all my friends, and I wish I could compete with them in the final. All of those guys, I have so many memories with them, happy memories—or less happy. So I wish them the best of luck, and may the best of them win.”

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