German swimmers aim for better conditions at Paris European Open Water Champs

German open‑water coach Bernd Berkhahn says the venue for the European Championships in Paris offers far improved conditions compared with the 2024 Olympic race. The competition will take place in a quieter side arm of the Seine between Pont de Grenelle and Pont de Bir‑Hakeim, where the current is under 0.1 m/s, water quality has been verified after extensive cleaning, and the temperature is about 26 °C.

Four‑time world champion Florian Wellbrock, who struggled with infections and training gaps after the Olympics, entered the event hoping to place in the top ten despite not being the outright favorite. He joins a German squad that includes Lukas Märtens, Oliver Klemet and 800‑m European record holder Johannes Liebmann, all looking to capitalize on the calmer water and stronger preparation.

The German team is confident the upgraded venue will allow them to perform better than in 2024, with the coach noting the lack of strong currents and the presence of a public bathing area that ensures consistent water monitoring.