Beryl Gastaldello stamped a French 100 back record en-route to a golden double and selections were locked in for the short-course worlds at the French Elite Championships in angers.
Gastaldello had already captured three titles in the 50 back and fly and 100 free over the first two evenings before returning for another double title tilt on Saturday.
The six-time world short-course medallist proceeded to lower her own national standard in 55.66, slicing 0.41 from the 56.07 mark she set in November 2024. It was well within the cut for the Beijing showpiece next month with Pauline Mahieu also stamping her ticket in 56.44. Jeanne Lechevalier was also inside the QT in an age group record of 56.71 but only two swimmers can qualify per event.
Gastaldello returned for the 50 free where she clinched her fifth title and added another event to her Beijing programme in 23.71. Analia Pigree will join her after going 23.99 for second with Marie Wattel third home in 24.18.
Gastaldello told the French Federation that she’d considered dropping the 100 back in the morning to focus on the 50 free, adding: “It was a great evening, I’m very happy. It wasn’t easy to do the 50m freestyle after the 100m backstroke. But I have all the titles I wanted and the qualifications that go with it. The preparation wasn’t easy so I’m super proud. We will have to accelerate even more for the world championships, I’m confident for the future.”
The men’s 200 free featured a battle royale with three men coming home inside the cut.
Maxime Grousset led by 0.41 at 150 when Roman Fuchs accelerated to come past and take the title in 1:41.47 and clinch the 200/400 double. Grousset was second in 1:41.70 to add silver to his three golds with 16-year-old Sauveur Cristofini next home in a 1:41.88 age group record. Although it won’t be enough for the teenager who turns 17 at the end of November to compete over eight lengths in China next month, he’s already booked his spot in the 400 free behind Fuchs.
Emile Mattenet booked his ticket with a 4:05.67 victory in the men’s 400IM as he enjoyed a winning margin of more than six seconds over nearest challenger Raphael Blamart (4:11.90).
Clement Secchi won the 50 fly in 22.17 to add another event to his programme with Lysander Osman – winner of the 100 back – juts 0.01 off the cut in 22.29. Stanislas Huille was third in 23.02.
Carl Aitkaci was 0.05 off the men’s 100 breast cut in 57.28, Lilou Ressencourt missed the 200 fly QT by 0.39 in the 200 fly (2:07.89) while Zia Dupont was well outside the time required for the women’s 200 breast in 2:26.72. Valentine Leclercq won the 800 free in 8:24.87
