The 2015 Counseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM)/International Military Sports Council Games are set to begin their 10-day run on October 2nd in Mungyeong, Korea and at least one famous face will be on deck for the swimming portion.
Olympic gold medalist and 2015 World Champion, Florent Manaudou (FRA), confirmed his attendance at this year’s Military Games. The Games’ mission, per its site, is “to contribute to world peace by uniting armed forces through sports.” The sporting event invites active-duty military personnel to participate, of which Manaudou is included since joining the French army in 2009. Manaudou currently serves in an artillery unit.
With the 2016 Rio Olympic Games now just under a year away, elite athletes are capitalizing on any opportunity to race internationally, as it provides a means for rehearsal before an Olympic gold medal is at stake. Manaudou is reportedly competing at the FINA World Cup in Singapore on October 3rd and 4th, then will move on to Korea in time for the swimming competition of the MIlitary Games, which begins on October 7th.
Look for Manaudou to take advantage of more opportunities to race the 100m freestyle in addition to his signature 50m distance, as he recently told “Le Parisien” that he will be targeting both events at French Olympic Trials. In his words, the Frenchman’s “ultimate dream” is to win both the 50m and 100m freestyle events at an Olympics. Quite a tall order, but one that isn’t impossible, given that the Russian rocket, Alexander Popov achieved the feat both in 1992 and 1996.
With the recently released super quick selection standards released for France’s Rio roster, Manaudou will be looking for a chance to get closer to the 48.13 minimum men’s mark. His fastest thus far of 2015 was the 48.77 he threw down in Vichy, but the sprint star has a personal best of 47.98 from Berlin just last year.
The 50 is his to lose. The 100, on the other hand, would be quite a feat for him to win.
No surprise. It was expected.
Is he able to swim 3 races of 100 meters at very high level in long course? That’s the question. I’m sure Romain Barnier will adjust his training in Marseille very well until Rio. But first, he has to qualify. Metella will be stronger and Agnel will be back. And all these guys have to swim very fast at nationals.
Also.. is anyone able to deliver a ultra fast 50 and still do a fast 100?
Adrian gained a lot speed on 50 this year and his 100 suffered, Manadou 50 also reached new heights and his 100 also seemed to suffer.. based on his individual 100 and his 100 splits..
I find funny when people are expecting adrian to go 21,3 at Traisl and also a 47,6.. it seems they saw a different worlds from everyone else..
Bronte Campbell proved it’s doable at least on the women’s end.
All these photos of Manaudou on swimswam…. 😆
If you hit on his pectoral muscles, then you have a good chance to break your hand.
Only Hosszu can compete with him in terms of musculature. 🙂