Germany’s Lukas Maertens (22) won his first Olympic gold in the men’s 400 metres freestyle at the Paris Olympics on Saturday as he emerged triumphant from a final stacked with world champions. #MaertensFreestyleGold
Maertens touched the wall in a time of 3:41.78 to finish 0.43 seconds ahead of Australian silver medallist Elijah Winnington and South Korean bronze-winner Kim Woo-min at La Defense Arena.
Maertens from Magdeburg, came into the race with the fastest time this year and duly converted on the biggest stage to become the first German winner in the event since Uwe Dassler took the title for East Germany at the 1988 Seoul Games.
His victory erases his record as a nearly-man in men’s swimming. Maertens freestyle gold follows two bronzes and a silver at past world championships.
He made a barnstorming start, shooting out to a big lead ahead of a trio of world champions in Kim, Winnington and Australia’s Sam Short. #MaertensFreestyleGold
The German raced at world record pace until the final 50 metres, and that proved enough despite a fast finish by Winnington, who claimed his second Olympic medal.
The Maertens freestyle gold win inspires future generations of swimmers. Consequently, it underscores the importance of resilience and hard work in reaching athletic goals.
