Charlotte Bonnet Remains Hot, Swims 1:57.3 in 200 Free in Lyon

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 8

April 22nd, 2021 News

22nd National Meeting of Lyon Natation Metropole

  • April 17-18, 2021
  • Lyon, France
  • Long Course Meters (50 meters)
  • Results

French Olympic medalist Charlotte Bonnet swam a 1:57.36 in the 200 free over the weekend to win the women’s 200 free in Lyon, France at a local regional meet.

That’s the third different meet that she’s been sub-1:58 in the 200 free already in 2021: she swam 1:56.77 in March in Marseille and 1:56.96 in February in Nice. The last time she was this fast this many times by this point of a calendar year was 2018, where she culminated her year with a lifetime best of 1:54.95 and a European Championship in the 200 free.

Bonnet also swam 54.01 to win the 100 free. That’s three-tenths shy of her season best from last month in Marseille.

Also swimming well at the meet was Analia Pigree, won won the 50 back in 28.59 and 100 back in 1:02.23. Her previous best time coming into the meet was a 1:02.96 from February. For the 19-year old, her best time before 2021 was just 1:06.83 and her best time prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 was 1:07.57.

The 19-year old is working on expanding her resume from more of a sprint freestyle/butterfly specialist to a backstroker. She’s now France’s 4th-ranked 100 backstroker in 2021, behind the national leader Mathilde Cini, who was 1:01.57 in March.

Other Noteworthy Swims:

  • Logan Fontaine won the men’s 400 free in 3:53.99, which is the third time he’s been 3:53 in 2021. His lifetime best is a 3:50.00 from 2018.
  • Jordan Pothain won both the 100 free (50.70) and 200 free (1:49.65). That 200 free is his best time of the calendar year so far.

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Thomas Selig
3 years ago

It’s a real shame Pothain never kicked on from Rio (in face, regressed significantly since). Looked like he had bags of potential then.

Not sure where France’s medals could come from in Tokyo. Manaudou in 50 free looks a decent bet, though not guaranteed by any means. Maybe some of the backstroke guys if they keep dropping time, but probably one cycle too soon, same with Marchand. Metella has been building back up to his best post-surgery, but has some really tough competition in his events. Aubry in 800 free probably similar: will he beat the likes of Romanchyuk, Paltrinieri, Detti or Wellbrock? Men’s 4×100 free doesn’t look quite as good as other bronze contenders for me, but I guess… Read more »

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
Reply to  Thomas Selig
3 years ago

Agree. Manaudou the best bet for a medal. I also would not be surprised if Metella sneaks in for a bronze in the 100 fly. Bonnet is a strong 200 swimmer but unfortunately for her that event is incredibly stacked.

Chalmers > Dressel
Reply to  Thomas Selig
3 years ago

french swimming has outpassed its golden age (Lacourt, Bousquet, Stravius, Laure Manaudou, ..) . They need time to reflorish, maybe in Paris 2024

John C
3 years ago

So does Olivia Smoliga

C16
Reply to  John C
3 years ago

So does Beryl Gastaldello

Last edited 3 years ago by C16
Pvdh
Reply to  C16
3 years ago

So does Nathan Adrian

Canadian Swimmer
Reply to  Pvdh
3 years ago

So does the Italian National team

swimfast
Reply to  John C
3 years ago

Ha. Also funny bc Smoliga could prob go 1:57 too.

Last edited 3 years ago by swimfast

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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