European Championships in Paris: Angelina Köhler swims to silver in the 100 metres butterfly

Köhler narrowly misses a surprise coup

Alongside Köhler, Isabel Gose was also one of the defining figures in the German squad. Gose narrowly missed out on a medal in the longer distances, but also produced strong times and gained valuable experience for the upcoming international assignments. The German swimming team thus presented itself as fully competitive in Paris.

The Swiss swimmer Maya Werner also caused a stir in the final. Werner, who likewise counts among the extended top tier of international butterfly swimming, finished fifth in the final. After the race she reported an emotional moment: Werner said she could "kaum in Worte fassen" the achievement. The jury and the audience honoured both athletes' performances with applause.

Maya Werner and Isabel Gose in the German squad

The Swimming European Championships in Paris are one of the most important benchmarks ahead of the upcoming major events in international aquatics. For the German federation, Köhler's result is an important signal with a view to the remaining competitions of the year. The younger German swimmers also produced strong performances in the heats.

The success in Paris comes in a phase in which German swimming is once again being noticed more strongly on the international stage. Coaches had worked in a targeted manner towards the European Championship season in recent months. With Angelina Köhler's silver medal, this preparation now reaches its provisional peak.

European Championships in Paris as a benchmark ahead of the next major events

In the further decisions of the Swimming European Championships, Germany remains represented in the medal table after the first final days. The team management also sees chances of further podium places in the relay events. Those involved describe the mood in the German camp as focused and confident.

In Paris, numerous medals in further swimming disciplines will still be awarded until the end of the European Championships. Observers rate the overall level of the European Championships as high and note that the European top tier has moved closer together. For Köhler, second place represents a clear improvement over previous international appearances.

The Berlin native revealed after the race that she had deliberately wanted to keep the second half open. The tactic paid off, even if it ultimately was not enough for gold. From the German Swimming Federation's perspective, silver in the butterfly final is evidence of the renewed strength of German women in the pool.