Maxime Grousset Breaks French Record in 50m Butterfly at 2025 Championships
Maxime Grousset sets a new French record in the 50m butterfly, qualifying for the World Championships.
Key Points
- • Maxime Grousset breaks the French record in the 50m butterfly with a time of 22.70 seconds.
- • His performance is currently the second-best in the world this season.
- • Grousset qualifies for the World Championships in Singapore scheduled for July 27 to August 3.
- • Other swimmers, including Kirpichnikova and Ressencourt, also qualify for the World Championship events.
Maxime Grousset made headlines during the 2025 French Swimming Championships held in Montpellier, where he shattered the French record in the 50m butterfly with a remarkable time of 22.70 seconds. This achievement not only sets a new national record but also secures Grousset's spot at the upcoming World Championships, taking place in Singapore from July 27 to August 3. His performance ranks as the second-best globally this season, highlighting his status as a leading swimmer in the event.
In a relay of competition, Grousset outperformed fellow competitors, including Russia's Michel Arkhangelsky, who finished with a time of 23.14 seconds, and Lyon’s Nikita Baez, who clocked in at 23.23 seconds. Following his record-breaking swim, Grousset expressed both satisfaction and determination, stating, "I am very happy, but there is better to come. I felt energetic and still have a few things to improve to swim even faster. I believe there will be a strong final at the World Championships. I haven't established my territory yet, but I will at the Worlds." He acknowledged the consideration that the 50m butterfly is now an Olympic event for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games, which he believes may inspire more swimmers to take up the distance.
In addition to Grousset’s victory, the championships featured other swimmers qualifying for the World Championships. Anastasiia Kirpichnikova secured her spot by winning the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:07.74, sharing her relief after a challenging post-Olympics period. Cyrielle Duhamel earned her qualification with a strong second-place finish in the 200m individual medley, interpreting her performance as a personal "revenge" after years of absence from Olympic competition. Furthermore, Lilou Ressencourt also qualified in the 100m butterfly, finishing with a time of 58.02 seconds, ahead of Marie Wattel, who is making a comeback from knee surgery.
Overall, Grousset's record-breaking swim marks a significant milestone in his career as he heads toward the World Championships with high hopes and aspirations for even greater achievements.