One World Cup: two new World Records
During the first round of the World Cup held in Aix-en-Provence – France, we had the opportunity to witness the achievement of two new world records. Both records were in the Seniors category and the 200-meter Immersion event. An event that came to shake up the sport of Finswimming and fill the gap that existed in the distances of the underwater events.
These performances were proclaimed as World Records as official performances had already been recorded in the previous months following the procedures set by CMAS.
We had the opportunity to talk to the German champion Justus Morstedt who improved his own record 1:15.35 which he had held since 4/2/2024.
What's your opinion about this new event?
My first thought about the new event was that 200 m will be the ideal length to present immersion to the public. Unlike the 100 m IM, the race isn't over within 30 seconds. The athletes fight for victory during 4 pool lengths. This is even more exciting for the spectators!
How do you feel after setting the world record?
It is the event that suits me best: I can use my strengths very well over this distance. I'm a good diver and good sprinter. 400 m IM is almost too long for me and 100 m IM is almost too short. So I was really looking forward to the new event! It's a great feeling when all the hard work pays off and you set a world record. However, I think that it will be improved a few more times this year, especially when the Asian athletes join the competition. But I will do everything I can to extend my lead over the international competitions so that I can enjoy being the holder of a CMAS world record for as long as possible!
The French champion Anais Verger also emerged as the big star of the event. She managed not only to win the gold medal from the current world record holder Michele Ruetze (1:26.19, 4/2/2024) but also to achieve a new world record with a performance of 1:23.08.
Here is what Anais Verger told us.
What's your opinion about this new event?
The 200 m immersion is a superb discipline allowing one to choose something between the 100 m immersion and the 400m immersion which are very different events. During the first round of the World Cup that took place in Aix-en-Provence from 23 to 25 February 2024, loving both the 200 m surface and immersion events, I wanted to try the 200m immersion! It was really great!
I really relish the feeling of glide and weightlessness, being alone under the water without snorkel, with just a 1 liter bottle.
How do you feel after setting the world record?
Going into the unknown with this new discipline, I had nothing to lose, so I focused on my undulations, my breathing, as well as the rhythm of my race. And it turned out that I swam a world record. I really did not think to do this performance. I am very happy but even now I cannot believe that I am a world record holder.
