Florent Manaudou: I hope to become a role model for my teammates

“I’ve competed for the third time here in Kazan. Of course, I am happy, I couldn’t wish more. It’s a great feeling to claim gold. I knew I will be able to show my best swim but Nathan Adrian was faster than me in the semis. That’s why it was difficult for me in the final. However, I did it!” the French swimmer said after finishing the race.

The French swimmer admitted that he’s quite happy with his results. His primary goal was to come to Kazan and to compete in this very race. It’s not like he was aiming to become the greatest swimmer from France. According to him, the 50m race is an ideal race for showing one’s best, for sort of relaxed swimming.

“I’ve tried to gain certain titles for myself. I’m planning to work hard on butterfly and see how the competitions turn out,” the swimmer said.

“I have a habit of counting strokes, that’s what I have been doing since childhood. My major goal at these competitions is to come out on top. I keep in mind the number of strokes that I execute. There are sometimes situations when it is better to put more force in them and swim the distance with as little effort as possible. Speaking about responsibility, right now I am the most distinguished athlete on the national team, but I realise I am not its only representative. I hope to win a couple more medals on the closing day. The French national swim team has a lot of young swimmers who are yet to celebrate victories in the future. When I joined the team, there were a lot of experienced swimmers. I hope to become a role model for my teammates,” Manaudou said hopefully.

Before leaving the press conference, Manaudou revealed one more thing: though he usually has healthy food, he has eaten a lot of sweets this week. Was it probably a secret of his success today?

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships