Monday, July 26th 2021
Freestyle show of the superstars
Swimming hope enjoys “thrills”
The world record holder is beaten when the coach of the winner Ariarne Titmus from Australia goes completely crazy. The swimmer put on a show beforehand in the pool. Germany’s swimming talent Isabel Gose will also be there. Although she only has a supporting role, she is still satisfied.
Isabel Gose was anything but unhappy despite her supporting role in the most thrilling swimming final of the Olympic day. The 19-year-old won her sixth place in the spectacular freestyle showdown of the superstars Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky. “That was quite a thrill,” said the Magdeburg native after her Olympic finals premiere over 400 meters. “I did quite well for that.” Gold was won by the Australian Titmus after a mad race to catch up and thus prevented the sixth Olympic victory of the American Ledecky.
Titmus trainer Dean Boxall freaked out at the success of his athlete in the stands at the Tokyo Aquatics Center. Shortly after the race, videos of his extroverted cheers made the rounds on the Internet. Ledecky, who won in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, congratulated Titmus fairly. The 20-year-old winner listened reverently to the anthem at the award ceremony. “She’s really on it,” said Gose.
The Magdeburg native showed that she is more than just a promise for the future. The day after her German record in 4: 03.21 minutes, she hit after 4: 04.98 minutes. She swims in the same training group as world champion Florian Wellbrock and runner-up world champion Sarah Köhler. Gose’s good form is also a good sign for her colleagues for the coming Tokyo days.
“Already a change”
The Briton Adam Peaty flexed his muscles over 100 meters chest. The 26-year-old grabbed the Olympic title as he did in Rio. He needed 57.37 seconds, then hit the water euphorically and cheered on the line that separates the lanes. Lucas Matzerath and Fabian Schwingenschlögl were eliminated in the semifinals. Back swimmer Regan Smith from the USA set an Olympic record in the semi-finals over 100 meters in 57.86 seconds. The Canadian Margaret MacNeil won gold over 100 meters butterfly.
In contrast to Gose, two other German swimmers could not celebrate a surprising entry into the finals. The German record holder Anna Elendt hit in the semi-finals over 100 meters chest as 13th in 1: 07.31 minutes. Over 100 meters back, Marek Ulrich from Leipzig also took 13th place in 53.54 seconds.
Just like Gose, Elendt did not come close to her time from the preliminary runs the day before. The finals and semifinals take place in Tokyo in the morning (local time), the prelims in the evening – an unusual rhythm for swimmers. “It’s quite a change,” said Gose. “In the final and in the semifinals, what really counts is who brings in the most bite.” Gose can still enjoy the fact that she is now swimming with the greats of her sport on the Olympic stage. “It’s a very nice feeling,” she said and smiled.
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