France claims double podium in European Open Water Championships 3km knockout race
France celebrated its first medals of the European Open Water Swimming Championships in Paris after Marc-Antoine Olivier and Logan Fontaine secured silver and bronze respectively in the men's 3km knockout event held in the Seine.
The double podium provided a breakthrough for the host nation after several near-misses earlier in the competition.
French swimmers deliver home success
Competing before home supporters, Olivier produced a strong performance to finish second, while Fontaine completed the podium by taking third place.
The result marked France's first appearance on the medal table in the open water events of this year's European Championships, offering a welcome reward after narrowly missing podium finishes in previous races.
Hungary's Betlehem captures gold
Hungarian swimmer David Betlehem proved the strongest competitor in the final stages of the race, pulling away to secure the European title.
He crossed the finish line more than three seconds ahead of the French pair, confirming his dominance in one of the championship's newest and most demanding disciplines.
The 3km knockout format tests both endurance and tactical speed through successive elimination rounds before a decisive final sprint.
Seine hosts elite competition
The medals were awarded during the championships taking place in the Seine, where organizers have staged open water events as part of the continental competition.
The successful completion of the race highlighted the river's role as a venue for major international swimming events, with athletes competing under close supervision and carefully monitored conditions.
Momentum for the French team
France's double podium could provide valuable confidence for the remainder of the championships, as the national team looks to build on its first medal-winning performances.
With experienced athletes such as Olivier and Fontaine demonstrating their competitiveness against Europe's strongest open water swimmers, the host nation will aim to add further medals before the competition concludes.
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