Camille Muffat clinches Women’s 200m freestyle title: Day one – National Open of Montpellier
World bronze medallist, Camille Muffat of France outshined her competitors by clinching gold medal of the Women 200m freestyle on foremost day of the 2012 National Open of Montpellier on February 3.
Muffat, who recently captured silver medal of the opening event of the tournament, 50m butterfly, elevated her efforts in the 200m discipline and snatched gold medal of the event.
The 22-year-old Muffat seized two bronze medals in the events of 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle at the 2011 Shanghai World Championships. She also won a gold medal in the 200m freestyle while a bronze medal in the 4*200m freestyle relay at the 2010 Dubai Short Course World Championships.
She gained a considerable lead over her opponents in the start, as she was the first swimmer to leap into the water. With her continued efforts, she kept on dictating terms to her competitors throughout the four-lap event and ensured her victory by a margin of almost two body lengths.
The French veteran demonstrated her smothering efforts and was the only one to post a sub two minute effort in the race. With her persistent struggle, Muffat remained prominently ahead of her competitors and hit the concluding wall with the timing of 1 minute and 56.57 seconds.
The gold medallist was followed by her team-member, Charlotte Bonnet, who stayed almost four seconds slower and reached the podium for silver medal by producing an effort of 2 minutes and 00.26 seconds.
In the meantime, the crowd witnessed an immaculate effort of Russian athlete, Maria Ugolkova, who stayed one and a half body length away from her and ended third. The 22-year-old Ugolkova remained 3.68 seconds slower than the second position holder and completed her swim in a time of 2 minutes and 03.94 seconds for bronze medal.
Muffat expressed happiness after claiming gold medal of 200m freestyle event and articulated her desire of achieving the same at forthcoming 2012 London Olympic Games.
In addition, the session came to an end after the conclusion of all listed events whereas the podium finishers were placed on the victory stand for their irresistible efforts in the four-lap event after the session.
Tags: