French team selected for World Championships

The French Swimming Federation has announced the 18 swimmers chosen to represent France at the World Championships in Beijing, which will take place from December 1 to December 6. The selection comes after the French short course championships in Angers, where athletes had to meet strict qualifying times to secure a spot.

Key athletes included in the team

Léon Marchand, who holds the world record in the 200m individual medley in a 25-meter pool, and Mary-Ambre Moluh, the European champion in the 100m backstroke, are among the standout names on the team. Both received special permission to continue training in the United States, which has helped them maintain their competitive edge.

Female swimmers set for multiple events

Béryl Gastaldello, a swimmer from Marseille, will compete in six events, including the 50m and 100m freestyle, the 40m butterfly, and the 100m individual medley. She also holds the French record in the 100m backstroke, an event in which she is expected to perform well.

Surprise selection in the team

Lysander Osman, who recently won the French titles in the 50m and 100m backstroke, will make his debut on the national team. His inclusion was unexpected, given his relatively new status in competitive swimming, but his performance at the French championships earned him a spot.

Maxime Grousset's events and potential absence

Maxime Grousset, from Nouméa, will compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle, the 100m butterfly, and the 100m individual medley. He also met the qualifying time for the 200m freestyle, though he lost to Roman Fuchs in that event. Grousset has hinted that he might not attend the championships, which could affect France’s lineup in those events.