France win medals in open water swimming at European Championships

France secured its first medals in open‑water swimming at the European Championships held in Paris, with two French swimmers placing on the podium in the men’s 3‑kilometre knock‑out race. Marc‑Antoine Olivier finished second, earning silver, while Logan Fontaine took bronze, completing the French sweep of the medals in this event.

The 3‑km knock‑out was contested on a tight, 1‑km loop around the Seine, with a field of 24 swimmers battling for the top spots. Olivier’s steady pace and tactical positioning allowed him to overtake the leaders in the final lap, while Fontaine’s sprint finish secured his place on the podium. The French performances mark a milestone for the nation’s open‑water program, which has historically focused more on pool events.

The medals arrive at a crucial time as France prepares to host the next European Championships, positioning its athletes as strong contenders in both pool and open‑water disciplines. The success of Olivier and Fontaine underscores the growing depth of French swimming talent on the continental stage.