Frenchman Manaudou Becomes First Man Ever To Medal In 50 Free At Four Consecutive Olympics

2024 PARIS SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

The men’s 50m freestyle was the first event of day 7 of the 2024 Olympic Games and the furious race to the wall did not disappoint.

By the time all the arms stopped spinning, it was Australian Cameron McEvoy who got there first, firing off a time of 21.25, just .05 ahead of silver medalist Ben Proud of Great Britain who clocked 21.30.

Capturing the bronze was 33-year-old Florent Manaudou of the host nation who touched in 21.56, 12 years after winning gold in London.

Manaudou’s medal tonight represents his 4th consecutive Olympic podium appearance in this 50m free event, making him the first man ever to accomplish this feat.

Entering Paris, along with Manaudou, American Gary Hall, Jr. had medaled in 3 consecutive Olympics, earning silver in 1996 Atlanta, gold in 2000 Sydney, and gold in 2004 Athens.

Manaudou’s 50m Free Olympic Results

  • 2012 London – GOLD, 21.34
  • 2016 Rio – SILVER, 21.41
  • 2020 Tokyo – SILVER, 21.55
  • 2024 Paris – BRONZE, 21.56

Despite Manaudou finishing 3rd, this might be his most special medal yet, as he was able to perform in front of his home crowd, including with President Emmanuel Macron among the attendees.

Two events later, fellow Frenchman Leon Marchand powered his way to a 4th individual gold by taking the men’s 200m IM event, giving the spectators even more to cheer about.

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MastersSwimmer
3 months ago

Quel. Homme. This medal was celebrated by the whole world of swimming.
Some swimmers are loved way beyond their national borders. Because they have talent, charisma, commitment AND humility.
Sjostrom is another. All countries admire and respect her and want her to do well, even if she’s “the opposition”

random
3 months ago

Florent the major event specialist, delivered when it mattered

MTK
3 months ago

Amazing longevity. Legend.

Adrian
3 months ago

Also should have mentioned he was the flag bearer at opening ceremony, and sworn the Olympic oath for all the athletes.

Andrew
3 months ago

I’ve been crying for the last hour

MY SEXY GREEK GOD POOKIE BEAR PLEASE PROPOSE TO ME I LOVE YOU

Boknows34
Reply to  Andrew
3 months ago

He split up with Pernille so you might be lucky.

Facts
3 months ago

Also completes the full Olympic set

Hiswimcoach
3 months ago

1) France has the best caps
2) USA should tell athletes they need to drop their mental health coaches. It isn’t working

Joel Lin
3 months ago

Inspired me to start doing sit-ups again.

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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