The French Federation has announced the passing of former national-teamer Éric Gastaldello on the night of May 15, 2016. Gastaldello, who was 51, suffered a stroke in the summer of 2013 from which he never fully recovered.
The father of Texas A&M’s Béryl Gastaldello, Gastaldello was French national champion in the 100 breast in 1983 and the 50 breast in 1984. He was a member of the French national team that competed at the European Championships in Rome in 1983.
The Gastaldello family is swimming royalty in France. Éric’s father, Lucien, was a gymnast and a lifeguard who transformed the lifeguarding profession in France. His mother, Amélie, competed for France at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. She was a six-time French national champion in the 100 breast, a five-time champion in the 200 breast, and a one-time champion in the 200 fly between 1960 and 1969.
Éric Gastaldello married Véronique Jardin, one of France’s most prolific champions, with 24 national titles and 11 French national records to her name. The couple had two children, Béryl and her brother, Marvin. Béryl was selected to France’s 2016 Olympic team in April, following her performance at the French Elite National Championships in Montpellier.
