The German open-water swimming team claimed the mixed relay gold medal in the Seine on the final day of competition at the European Championships in Paris, capping a dominant week of racing that saw the nation finish at the top of the medal table. The quartet of Julia Ackermann, Isabel Gose, Oliver Klemet, and Florian Wellbrock completed the 4×1.5-kilometer course ahead of Italy and Germany’s other European rivals to secure the country’s fourth gold medal in the French capital’s river.
Wellbrock Secures Third Gold Medal of the Meet
For Florian Wellbrock, the relay victory marked his third gold medal of the championships, following individual victories in the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer events. Reflecting on his campaign after the relay, Wellbrock noted that three titles exceeded his expectations coming into the meet. Unlike the difficult aftermath of the Olympic Games two years prior, the 28-year-old German distance specialist left Paris with positive memories and an eye on future competition.
“We are reigning world champions in the event, now also European champions,” Wellbrock said following the race. “I think more is not possible today. Three medals, three titles I wouldn’t have dreamed of beforehand here at the European Championship. I’m insanely grateful that I was able to experience this here like this again.”
Relay Strategy and Early Deficit Overcome
Germany’s path to the gold medal required overcoming an early deficit on the opening leg. Ninteen-year-old Julia Ackermann swam the first leg against a field that included strong male competitors, handing over to Isabel Gose in fourth place with a 35-second gap behind Turkey’s Emir Batur Albayrak. Gose, who earlier won the knockout sprint title, erased the deficit within three minutes to push Germany back into the lead group alongside Italy and Hungary.
Oliver Klemet, who previously earned bronze in the men’s 10-kilometer individual race, swam the third leg and built an 8.15-second lead over Hungary before handing over to Wellbrock for the anchor leg. Wellbrock faced late pressure on the final circuit from Hungary’s David Betlehem and Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri before pulling away in the final stretch to secure the victory.
Next Stop: Los Angeles 2028 Preparation
With the European Championships concluded, Wellbrock’s schedule shifts immediately to international preparation. The German swimmer confirmed plans to travel directly to California to inspect the venue and course layout slated for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
German head coach Bernd Berkhahn expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance throughout the open-water events in Paris. “Great race, great success, won the medal table: We are very satisfied,” Berkhahn said, acknowledging the close finish on the anchor leg that tested the coaching staff’s nerves.
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