At the arrival of the 5km in open water, this Saturday morning, French swimming was at least certain of bringing back a new medal from Rome, where the European championships continue to be in full swing.
But for whom?
A few seconds after the two Italians Gregorio Paltrinieri, crowned at home, and Domenico Acerenza, two Blues were fighting for bronze: Logan Fontaine and Marc-Antoine Olivier.
Initially announced fourth, it was the latter who ended up on the podium, thanks to the verdict given by the photo-finish.
#EnDirect #Rome2022 #eaulibre
Marc-antoine OLIVIER wins the bronze medal in the 5km 🥉🇫🇷👏🏻 in 52:20.
📸KMSP/S.KEMPINAIRE #TeamFrance #TeamFFN pic.twitter.com/ET3OmMYg0v
– FFN (@FFNatation) August 20, 2022
However, the decision was not confirmed until long minutes after the race, during which the two Frenchmen obviously had time to discuss this stormy finish, which only added to the cruelty of the scenario.
“I had just a touch, with the tip of my finger, explained Olivier at the microphone of France Télévisions, a few seconds before going up on the podium.
I'm really happy with my medal today.
»
This time, the scales tipped in the right direction for the Frenchman, who notably finished fourth at the touchline of the 10km Worlds in Budapest in June.
He can savor this medal won in familiar waters, since he trains all year round in Ostia in Italy, before attempting a double, since he will be competing in the 10 km on Sunday (10 a.m.).