France Triumphs with Historic Gold and Multiple Medals at 2026 European Swimming Championships

At the 2026 European Swimming Championships hosted in Saint-Denis, France delivered an impressive performance, highlighted by their first gold medal win in the mixed 4x100 meter medley relay. The French relay team, consisting of Mary-Ambre Moluh, Carl Aitkaci, Maxime Grousset, and Marie Wattel, broke new ground by winning gold and setting a European record.

Mary-Ambre Moluh initiated the relay with a remarkable backstroke leg, establishing a European record and showcasing a strategic decision to start with a female swimmer. Carl Aitkaci followed on the breaststroke leg, setting the stage for Maxime Grousset to swim the butterfly. Grousset, the reigning world champion in the 100m butterfly, executed a powerful comeback during his leg, overtaking his competitors, primarily female swimmers. Marie Wattel anchored the relay with a strong freestyle leg that secured France's victory over the Netherlands and the neutral Russian team.

Additionally, Maxime Grousset earned a silver medal in the 50-meter butterfly, while Pauline Mahieu contributed with a bronze in the 200 meters backstroke, enriching France's medal tally. The crowd at the event celebrated the gold medal win with the playing of La Marseillaise, underscoring the patriotic significance of the victory in front of the home audience.

These results underscore France's competitive edge and strategic excellence in swimming at this high-profile continental event, enhancing the nation's sporting prestige. The relay victory especially marks a historic milestone as France's first gold at the championships, reflecting the strength and potential of its swimmers on the European stage.