Yohann Ndoye Brouard booked his ticket to a home European Championships this coming August on day two of French nationals in Saint Etienne.
The world bronze medallist led throughout the 200 back to touch in 1:56.73, more than two seconds outside his 1:54.47 French record in the semis at Singapore 2025 but sufficient to clinch a berth at the continental showcase in Paris.
Antoine Herlem came past Mewen Tomac on the final 50 as the pair finished in 1:57.79 and 1:58.13 respectively with all three men qualifying along with Nathan Muratory who had achieved the QT at the French junior championships. Four swimmers per country can book their place per event at the Europeans with only two qualifying from prelims in the two-per-nation format.
Ndoye Brouard won the 200 back title four years ago at Roma 2022 despite having to contend with a solo re-swim in the semis after his starting wedge broke.
While he wasn’t particularly impressed with his time in Saint Etienne, the Olympic medley relay bronze medallist accepted his ticket to Paris.
“It’s a little worse than I wanted to do,” he said through the French federation. “It’s slower than in Austin in January, with a week off and a week of recovery. I’m a little disappointed but the conditions are not optimal to perform in this heat but I answered the call. These are better days than before in the 200m backstroke. There is less stress and more confidence. I think it’s thanks to training. I’m happy to have a better understanding of this 200m backstroke.”
He also pointed to the example set by Leon Marchand who went 4:04.56 for the fifth-fastest 400IM all-time the previous day amid sweltering conditions.
“It’s true that the heat doesn’t help but Léon (Marchand) has shown us that we can still achieve the 5th best performances in history so we have to adapt,” he said. “At the European Championships we will have to swim fast from the heats because in addition to Mewen and Antoine who did the time with me tonight, there will also be Nathan Muratory who did it at the French U18 championships. I’m very happy for the French backstroke.”
Marie Wattel added a second event to her Paris programme with a 50 fly victory in 25.99, a day after she booked a slot in the 100 free alongside Beryl Gastaldello. Albane Cachot (26.04) was also inside the cut although Melanie Henique missed out in 26.15.
Wattel was second behind Sarah Sjostrom at Roma 2022 and so far has nine European medals among her silverware.
After a night of little sleep, Wattel had found it tough to return to the pool where she did enough to clinch a ticket.
“I did 25.99, it’s not brilliant but there are things to take and the confidence is coming back little by little,” she said. “I’m happy for Albane who also qualified. I did a good preparation. I gave 110%. I arrived with high goals. In terms of time, I’m a little disappointed at the moment, I’m waiting to see the 100m butterfly tomorrow. I have bigger ambitions but I can’t complain.”
Cedric Gabali overhauled Nans Mazellier on the second 50 of the men’s 100 free to touch in 48.82 to 48.88 with Sauveur Cristofini setting an age group record of 48.99 in third.
Lucile Tessariol won the women’s 200 free in 1:58.51 with Chloe Braun taking the 100 breast title in 1:08.31.
