Florian Wellbrock leads Germany to relay gold, wins third title at European Championships

Florian Wellbrock triumphs in the Seine and wins his first European Open Water title. Dávid Betlehem takes silver, German Olympic silver medalist Oliver Klemet secures bronze.

At the European Swimming Championships in Paris, the German success streak continues. Florian Wellbrock is once again in the spotlight. The men were out for redemption.

Florian Wellbrock won his third gold medal at the conclusion of the open water events at the European Swimming Championships in Paris. Together with Julia Ackermann, Isabel Gose, and Oliver Klemet, he defeated Italy and Hungary in the mixed relay over 4x1.5 kilometers. It was the fourth German gold medal in the Seine, along with one bronze.

German celebration: Julia Ackermann, Isabel Gose, Florian Wellbrock and Oliver Klemet (l. to r.) Source: JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP

The 19-year-old Ackermann kept up well with her female competitors but logically could not match the high pace of Turkey's Emir Batur Albayrak and handed off to Gose with a 35-second deficit. However, Gose needed only three minutes to close the gap and take the lead. With Italy and Hungary, the knockout European champion put Germany on course for a medal.

Exciting Final Lap in Paris

With a 1.20-second deficit to Italy, Gose handed off to Klemet, who had won bronze over ten kilometers. He left no doubt that the German men were out for redemption after the surprising defeat in the knockout race. He handed off to Wellbrock with an 8.15-second lead over Hungary.

On an exciting final lap, Dávid Betlehem for Hungary and Gregorio Paltrinieri from Italy attacked the German, but Wellbrock was confident in his abilities, increased the pace shortly before the end, and secured the victory.

jwo with dpa