2 Weeks In Paris
A massive congratulations to our Funky Trunks athletes who have now returned home after 2 weeks in Paris competing in the pinnacle of sport.
Our Aussie contingent included sprinter Ben Armbruster who proved he could match it with the best in the world, swimming a blistering 21.86 in the heat of the 50m Freestyle to progress to the semi-finals. His 21.94 in the semis meant he finished 14th overall. An incredible achievement to dip under 22 secs twice. He took the confidence into his 100m Butterfly, swimming a 51.33 to make the semi-finals where he swam a 51.17 to finish 9th overall. Ben went on to swim the heat of the 100m Medley Relay helping Australia secure a lane for the finals. It was an awesome achievement by Ben to continually lower his times in big meets and we can’t wait to see what he can do in the next 4 years.
Max Giuliani battled illness through his 200m Freestyle campaign making the final to finish 5th with a commendable time of 1:45.57. Max was disappointed not to go faster but not being 100% fit clearly had an impact on his ability to perform at his peak.
Isaac Coooper (100m Backstroke) and Brendon Smith (400m IM) had their individual swims early in the program and unfortunately didn’t progress through the heats round. Isaac swam the final of the 4 x 100m Medley Relay where the Australian team finished sixth.
Jacob Whittle (Team GB) and Sean Niewold (Netherlands) swam quick times in their 100m Freestyle heats but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to progress to the semis, with Jacob finishing 18th (48.47) and Sean 23rd(48.82). Both incredible times by the guys and shows the speeds that men are now hitting in the 100m Freestyle just to make a night swim. Jacob also swam the final of the 4 x 100m Freestyle where Team GB placed 5th.
Team GB’s Joe Litchfield swam both the Mixed Medley and Men’s Medley where Team GB finished fourth. Ireland’s Conor Ferguson swam a 54.88 in his backstroke for the Irish Men’s Medley Relay team, setting a national record and finishing 11th overall.
Kiwi Kane Follows had his debut in Paris in the 100m and 200m Backstroke. He finished 21st in his pet event the 200m Backstroke (1:58.63) and described the feeling of competing in Paris.
“Nothing can beat the experience of racing at the Games. I have been training for this my whole life and it was an experience I will never forget.”
Team GB’s Modern Pentathlon champ, Joe Choong won the swim leg and finished 9th overall.
We are extremely proud of all our athletes and the inspiration they have provided all the up-and-coming athletes out there with their eyes on Los Angeles and Brisbane.