France’s newest swimming superstar, Jeremy Stravius, has broken the French National Record in the 100 SCM fly, swimming a 50.06 to break the 50.48 that Fred Bousquet did in 2008.
As Stravius, who early in his career was primarily a backstroker and a very good one at that (he was the 2011 World Champion in the 100), continues to progress in his 100 fly, France suddenly is a relay without any weaknesses. France’s first appearance on the long course podium for a medley relay, at either the Olympics or World Championships, was their gold medal in 2013 (albeit one that saw an American DQ). It’s no coincidence that Stravius’ arrival as a legitimate top-flight butterflier is related to that medal.
The butterflies are an area where France has always been fairly weak. Remember that their promising relay in 2011, that was seemed a favorite to medal, failed to even make it out of prelims as Florent Manaudou was cast onto the butterfly leg and fell apart on his second 50 meters.
With Giacomo Perez-d’Ortona swimming well in the breaststrokes, Camille Lacourt still looking like one of the world’s best, and any number of freestylers (Gilot, Agnel) to use on the anchor, the French have a legitimate shot at winning this medley relay again in 2015 and 2016 against a Phelps-less American team.
That swim puts Stravius at 6th in the world this year. A full recap is set to follow.
“…..2016 against a Phelps-less American team.” We’ll see about that.
I agree.