Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

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.

» Updated: 30 July 2024, 15:57

» Published: 30 July 2024

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

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
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge
2 MIN READ

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team
1 MIN READ

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"
3 MIN READ

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match
1 MIN READ

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One