CPB Rennes Shines at French Swimming Championships: A New Era Begins
CPB Rennes emerges as a top competitor in French swimming, showcasing significant athlete performances at the recent championships.
Key Points
- • CPB Rennes climbed from 42nd to vice-champion of France since 2020.
- • Yann Le Goff leads the 200m freestyle and aims for a championship title.
- • The club struggles to retain talent as many swimmers move to the U.S. at 18.
- • CPB Rennes contributed 50% to the French 4x200m Olympic relay team.
The 2024-2025 French Swimming Championships have marked a turning point for the CPB Rennes swimming club, which has risen dramatically from 42nd place to vice-champion of France since 2020. This ascent is attributed to the Rennes Élite Natation project initiated in 2019, led by coach Matthieu Burban. The club, aiming to showcase its enhanced status, has adopted new colors, a sleek black and khaki, for the upcoming championship in Montpellier.
One of the standout performers, Yann Le Goff, is currently leading the 200m freestyle rankings with an impressive time of 1’48’’01 and is targeting a championship title after previously finishing as vice-champion in 2024. Burban expressed confidence in Le Goff’s potential for selection on the senior French national team. The club has seen the emergence of three international swimmers this year, including Justine Meignen-Retho and Simon Clusman.
Despite its recent successes, CPB Rennes faces ongoing challenges, particularly in retaining top talent. Many promising swimmers leave for opportunities in the United States upon reaching adulthood, which complicates recruitment efforts. However, the club remains a significant contributor to French swimming, having produced 50% of the athletes for the 4x200m relay team at the last Olympics. The rise of CPB Rennes is transforming it into a formidable force in the national swimming scene, according to Burban, who emphasized the importance of their competitive environment to attract and train talented swimmers effectively.