It was said. Announcement. It’s now official. Charlotte Bonnet, 23, was crowned European champion in the 200m freestyle this Monday at the Tollcross Swimming Center in Glasgow. A first in the history of French swimming. The swimmer from Olympic Nice Natation dominated the race from start to finish ahead of the Dutchwoman Heemskerk to claim her first international individual crown in the long course, accompanied by a new personal best (1′54′’95).
“I don’t know what to say, I’m super happy,” smiles the Habs as she leaves the pool. I win, I go below 1’55 for the first time. I’m European champion! These are years of sacrifice, of work, which are rewarded…”
The “little sister” of Camille Muffat and Yannick Agnel, her former Olympic champion training comrades, is now a big girl who assumes her status. Arriving in Scotland as the favorite (she already had the best European performance of the year in 1’55″53), Bonnet did not lose the lead.
The joy of our European champions Marie WATTEL, Charlotte BONNET, Margaux FABRE and Beryl GASTALDELLO after making the Marseillaise resonate 🥇🎉 Well done to all, without forgetting Anouchka MARTIN and Assia TOUATI without whom the relay would perhaps not have been qualified! #Glasgow2018 pic.twitter.com/2pqal00bPE
— FFN (@FFNatation) August 3, 2018
After having perfectly managed the series and semi-final on Sunday, the leader of the Blues, already titled in the 4x100m freestyle relay, won her second gold medal of the British week.
Fabrice Pellerin’s student will, however, have to wait a little to benefit. The Niçoise has in fact not yet fully fulfilled her contract and is now aiming for a podium in the 100m freestyle, the heats of which take place Tuesday morning (final Wednesday evening). Over the distance, the Riviera has already set the second European time of the season (52”74 behind the Dane Pernille Blume in 52”72).
