“It’s a joy, I’m over the moon. » David Aubry gave France its second medal at the world swimming championships in Doha on Sunday February 18 by winning bronze in the 1,500m freestyle. This is the second world medal of his career, after bronze in the 800m in 2019.
The native of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) completed the event in 14 min 44 s 85 – at 2/10e of his personal best. “I’m missing a little thing at the end, but I don’t have too many doubts, I know I’ll be ready on the big day” at the Paris Olympic Games.
“Today is the most beautiful medal of my entire career,” insisted the 27-year-old swimmer, who did not hide his joy. David Aubry suffered a long period of depression following an injury. “It’s an achievement because I stopped for a while and now I’m back at the top of my form. I really enjoy swimming. »
The title of the event went to the Irishman Daniel Wiffen, who widened a significant gap from the first lengths to win in 14 min 34 s 07. The German Florian Wellbrock took the silver medal (14 min 44 s 61).
The day before, Melanie Henique had gleaned silver in the 50m butterfly – a distance which is not on the Olympic program –, opening the medal counter for the French clan in Qatar, while many French swimmers decided to do the impasse on these Worlds, placed unusually in February.