Gwangju (South Korea) (AFP)
Marie Wattel qualified for her first 100m butterfly world final by swimming third in the semi-finals, a new personal best, Sunday in Gwangju, South Korea.
Wattel (22) finished in 57 sec 00 in first place. She had already lowered her personal best from 57 sec 53 to 57 sec 23 in the morning playoffs.
Sweden's Sarah Sjöström, the reigning Olympic champion and four-time world champion in the 100 butterfly, clocked the fastest time of the semi-finals in 56 sec 29.
"It's a phew, I really did not expect it, it was slackness, efficiency, I won (my semifinal) for one and two hundredths, it's really fun for the mind to touch in front, to show that even on the last arm stroke, we give everything.The work pays, finally, it's hot in the heart, "rejoices Wattel, who trains in Loughborough, England, since summer 2017.
"I feel like I'm changing dimension, girls I thought were inaccessible yesterday are not so far today, it allows me to realize my potential and gain confidence. best, it's great, "she continues.
The final is scheduled Monday night.
"Tomorrow (Monday), why not go for a podium even if I know it will be complicated, I will fight and I also think to gain experience for next year," anticipates Wattel.
On 50 m butterfly, Maxime Grousset (20 years) stopped him in the semifinals (23.41, 14th time). Like Fantine Lesaffre on 200 m medley (02: 12.18, 13th time).
© 2019 AFP