Camille Lacourt Leads Way As Several More Olympic Berths Earned in France

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Photo Courtesy: R-Sport / MIA Rossiya Segodnya

Camille Lacourt lit up the men’s 100-meter back today at the 2016 French Open National Championships as he moved up to second in the world in the event. He was one of a handful of swimmers to earn Olympic berths during the evening.

Lacourt charged his way to a 52.97 in the men’s 100-meter back. That swim put him second in the world behind only Mitchell Larkin’s 52.85 from the Victoria State Championships. Ben Stasiulis finished second in the heat with a 54.44 as both Lacourt and Stasiulis punched their tickets to Rio in the event. Eddie Moueddene finished third in 54.89.

Coralie Balmy crushed the field in the women’s 800-meter free with an 8:28.63. That swim moved her up to eighth in the world rankings, and also moved her onto the French Olympic team roster. Eva Bonnet snared second overall in 8:40.93 with Ophelie-Cyrielle Etienne taking third in 8:43.67.

Jordan Pothain raced his way to the top of the men’s 400-meter free with a 3:47.77. That moved him up to fifth in the world rankings, and clinched a berth on the French Olympic team. Damien Joly snared second in 3:50.84 with Joris Bouchaut taking third in 3:51.69.

Lara Grangeon collected her third title of the meet. Grangeon already won the 400-meter IM and 200-meter fly earlier this week, and tonight she delivered a 2:12.68 in the women’s 200-meter IM for the win. Grangeon is now set to compete in the 200 fly in Rio. Fantine Lesaffre finished second in 2:13.98 with Cyrielle Duhamel earning third in 2:16.06. Lesaffre clinched a spot on the French Olympic roster as well.

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Prairie

8 years ago

Only Lacourt earned an automatic Olympic team spot. Check the FFN’s own standards – faster than FINA A standards.

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Jason Marsteller

8 years ago

Reply to Prairie

Just reporting based on what the FFN stated on its Twitter regarding qualifying or not.

Dr. Buky Chass

8 years ago

Most likely that STASIULIS has swam better than the A cut time of 54.36 before and that is why the Franchise are including him on the team to Rio.