Germany’s Lukas Martens won the men’s 400m freestyle on Saturday, winning his first swimming medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Maertens was on world record pace at one point in the race, then slowed on the final turn, but finished strong to take the gold medal.
Australia’s Elijah Winnington threatened Martens in the final stages to win the silver medal, while South Korea’s Kim Woo-min took the bronze.
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Lukas Martens of the German team celebrates with Oliver Klemmett of the German team after winning the gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Paris-La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France on July 27, 2024. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Maertens was aiming to beat the world record of 3:40.07 set by compatriot Paul Biedermann in Rome in 2009, but finished in 3:41.78.
Winnington and Wu Ming finished close behind in times of 3:42.21 and 3:42.50 respectively.
Sarah Bacon and Cassidy Cook win first medals for the U.S. team at the Paris Olympics
For the United States, 19-year-old Aaron Shackel from Mission Viego, California, advanced to the finals but finished last with a time of 3 minutes 47 seconds.
Germany’s Lucas Martens competes in the men’s 100m breaststroke qualifying event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Paris-La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France, on July 27, 2024. (Jean Katuf/Getty Images)
This is just the beginning of Maartens’ Olympic journey, as he will also compete in the 200m freestyle and 200m backstroke for Germany.
Maertens competed in the Tokyo Olympics but failed to win a medal in 2021.
Maertens could win gold in the event at the 2022 European Championships but could only win bronze at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships.
Gold medalist Lucas Martens of Germany poses with his medal during the medal ceremony after the men’s 400m freestyle final on the first day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Paris-La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France on July 27, 2024. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
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While there is still plenty more to come for Maertens and his rivals at this tournament, the German has set a new standard in swimming by winning the first Olympic gold medal of his career and for his country.
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