Persson on the Olympic pool: "Not extremely fast times"

A fantastic arena – but a slow pool. This is how several swimmers describe the Olympic Games pool in Paris. Breaststroke swimmer Erik Persson agreed when he advanced to the semifinal.

» Published:

Persson on the Olympic pool: "Not extremely fast times"
Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

Share this article

The 30-year-old swimmer from Kungsbacka advanced from the trials in his specialty distance, the 200-meter breaststroke.

The times haven't been that fast here, I have to be satisfied with a seventh place and try to fight for a final tonight, he says after noting 2.10,35 – 2.7 seconds above his personal best.

Erik Persson made his first start in the Paris La Defense Arena, which was almost fully packed with 15,000 spectators.

The atmosphere is magical. But the swims overall haven't been as fast as expected, and no world records have been broken yet.

According to Expressen, the International Swimming Federation's requirement for the depth of a competition pool is actually 2.5 meters – but in Paris, the depth of the provisional pool is 2.15 meters.

The new rule about the depth was introduced last year, and Paris is exempt because they were awarded the Olympic Games in 2017.

It could be a factor, it's shallower than usual. Now I'm quite short compared to many other swimmers, so for me, it doesn't play a big role, says Persson.

Tall Björn Seeliger, 202 centimeters, missed advancing on the 100-meter freestyle after a mediocre 49,70 – 1,24 seconds above his personal record.

Seeliger led his heat after 50 meters – the short freestyle is his main event in the Olympic Games – but then faltered.

He didn't want to blame the shallow pool.

I can't blame anything. The pool isn't that deep, and even if it's slow, it's slow for everyone. So it doesn't matter, he says.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

More Swedish Football Clubs Criticize Police Directives

More Swedish Football Clubs Criticize Police Directives

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars