Lukas Märtens is swimming world champion over 400 meters freestyle. The 23 -year -old Olympic champion won his first gold medal at World Championships in Singapore.
Märtens struck after 3: 42.35 minutes. He prevailed in front of the second -placed Samuel Short from Australia. Bronze secured the South Korean Kim Woomin. The second German final participant Oliver Klemet swam to eighth place.
Märtens showed its extra class on the first day of the pelvic competitions in the title fights in Southeast Asia. For the exceptional swimmer, who trains with national coach Bernd Berkhahn in Magdeburg, it is the first World Cup title of career. In 2022, Märtens had brought bronze in 2023 and 2024.
Now he reached his next career milestone for the day exactly a year after his Olympic victory in the La Défense Arena with the gold medal at the World Cup.
Märtens does not get out of the concept for a longer break
In April, he already showed impressively how good Märtens are on this year. In 3: 39.96 minutes, he undercut Paul Biedermann’s 16 -year -old world record over 400 meters freestyle – without special preparation. His longer break after the summer games with numerous appointments and two nose operations did not get him out of the concept, even if the return was not easy.
“It also has a little bit of motivation to do”he says. Märtens had to set new goals “Because when you are 22 Olympic champions, you have actually reached almost everything on paper.”
Märtens also over 800 meters gold candidate
One of these new goals was the World Cup title. The fact that it worked out at the start of the pelvic races in Singapore despite health problems in preparation ensures additional self -confidence.
Märtens still plans a lot in the World Championships Arena. He is also one of the top favorites over 800 meters freestyle. Only national teammate Sven Schwarz has been faster than Märtens on this route this year.