In an interview with French TV station MYTF1NEWS, French superstar Yannick Agnel has proclaimed that he will swim the individual 200 free at the World Championships in Barcelona that begin in 8 days in Barcelona.
“I am at the service the 4×100, 4×200 and the 4×100 m medley relays if necessary, but I will also compete in the 200 m,” Agnel told the station on video, reporting that he and his new coach Bob Bowman have expanded his program.
This move was rumored by French media last week despite Agnel declaring in May that he would only compete in relays due to an illness affecting his training. Further evidence was gathered when over the weekend he gathered his first result as a member of NBAC with a 1:48 200-meter-for-time-split in a 400 meter race.
Agnel, it appears, will not swim the individual 100 free, despite the French official press dossier released on Monday declaring that he would. We have requested confirmation from the French Federation for whom would take his spot in that 100, but have not as of yet received a response.
The 21-year old is the defending Olympic Champion in the 200 free.
I don’t believe there is more such behaviour coming anymore. Agnel probably had reasons to behave as he did as he’s gone through the break-up with his long-time coach. I’m not so sure that e.g. Phelps would have taken it without even noticing if he had had a break-up with BB. Swimswam has written many occasions about the bonds that develop between swimmers and their long-time coaches. And Agnel’s indecision about whether or not to swim individuals have definitely significance for France prospects so it must have caused a bit drama in France.
I’m very interested in Agnel’s swims. One of the most superior male swimmers in London with huge potential in the future. He overshadowed many successful names: Lochte… Read more »
Can´t find a article to put it.. but.. as a near related matter.. it looks like Pereira will swim the 400 IM (Probably a 100% guarantee Silver for him) and will confirm officially tomorrow
What was the illness he was reportedly suffering from? I know that there were gastro-problems at the French Trials, but I don’t recall seeing any reports about long-term illnesses affecting his preparation? Thanks to Bobo again if you can shed some light on this.
(And who knows? The joke around is that Mags needed a virus to taper properly, maybe Agnel too :p)
I don’t know any illness for Mr Agnel. He has had gastric problems at the French trials. That’s all.
This must be the most uninteresting drama circus i have heard in a long time . I am not even interested to watch his swims .
You will watch him! You have almost no Belgian swimmers to watch. So you will support the French! 😆
Can’t wait until he retires a few months before the 2016 Olympics and then dramatically reverses the decision with a week to go.
LOL.
or do a manadou?
What incident are you referring to?
Again, thank you bobo gigi for the news! 🙂
And the TV station is TF1.
Finally the end of the drama about Mr Agnel! 😆
Now 1 or 2 gold medals in Barcelona and everything will be forgotten.
I am confused. Why are you thanking yourself?
He was thanking himself on behalf of SwimSwam. 😉
Is Bobo Gigi just a persona created by swimswam?
If yes, brilliant.
Are all French guys such a drama queens like Bobo and Agnel? My experience with French boys is (un)fortunately non-existent. Someone with better insight please chip in.