“This is the culmination of so many years of work and investment.” Céline, Lili-Rose Berthelot's mother, displays great joy and immense pride, this Saturday, November 2, the day after the Roanne swimmer's coronation at the French short course championships in Montpellier.
“It all came down to the touchline. The last 12 meters were absolutely incredible”
The AS Roanne Natation licensee, competing in the 100m butterfly, won a gold medal in 59'04″, ahead of Marina Jehl (59'12″) and Maty Ndoye-Brouard (59' 23″). “Everything came down to the sidelines. The last 12 meters were absolutely incredible,” says Céline Berthelot.
A new chance for a medal
With a mental boost from this coronation, Lili-Rose Berthelot could well shine again in the 200m butterfly this Saturday morning. On paper, the 20-year-old from Roanne has the silver medal within reach. “His best time is 2’10” in the short course. Two weeks ago in Villefranche, she finished in 2'14″ during the heats. If she repeats, it will place her very well for the final.”
The French short course swimming championships in Montpellier, qualifiers for the Worlds which will take place in Hungary in December, can be followed live on BeIN Sports.
Two races on Sunday
Lili-Rose Berthelot will be entered in two other races this Sunday: the 50m butterfly and the 200m freestyle. “Everything is possible. But it will be tense, there are very good sprinters (on the 50m butterfly, Editor’s note)Mélanie Henique and Béryl Gastaldello who made the Paris Olympics.”
