European Swimming Championships: Grousset, Moluh and Pigrée reach the semifinals
France made a strong start to Wednesday’s morning session at the European Swimming Championships in Paris, with three of its leading swimmers securing places in the evening semifinals.
Maxime Grousset advanced in the men’s 100m butterfly, while Mary-Ambre Moluh and Analia Pigrée both progressed in the women’s 50m backstroke. All three will return to the pool later in the day with places in the finals at stake.
Grousset makes a controlled start
The reigning world champion in the 100m butterfly began his campaign without taking unnecessary risks.
Grousset stopped the clock at 51.03 seconds, giving him the third-fastest qualifying time. The Frenchman opted for a measured effort rather than attempting to dominate the heats, keeping energy in reserve for the more demanding rounds.
His performance nevertheless confirmed his position among the leading contenders for the event.
The semifinal is scheduled for 19:33, when Grousset will face a stronger field and have the opportunity to move closer to another major championship medal on home soil.
Moluh and Pigrée advance in the 50m backstroke
France also secured two semifinal places in the women’s 50m backstroke.
Mary-Ambre Moluh and Analia Pigrée both negotiated their respective heats successfully, ensuring that the French delegation will have two representatives in the next round.
Their qualification strengthens France’s presence in an event where the margins are particularly narrow. Over 50 metres, a fraction of a second can determine who advances, making the semifinal a significantly more demanding test.
A promising morning for France
The three qualifications provide an encouraging start to the French team’s day in Paris.
Grousset carries particularly high expectations after emerging as one of the country's leading swimmers and establishing himself at world level. His controlled heat suggests that he still has room to increase his pace when the stakes rise.
For Moluh and Pigrée, reaching the semifinals gives them another opportunity to challenge the strongest swimmers in Europe and fight for a place in the final.
With the decisive races still ahead, France has already secured a strong presence in Wednesday evening’s program.
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