Camille Muffat was the fastest qualifier for the 400m freestyle final as French swimmers produced some impressive displays during the Olympic heats here on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Muffat swam 4min 03.29sec to outpace a stellar field with British favourite and local hero Rebecca Adlington, the Beijing gold medallist, booking the last final spot in 4:05.75.
Muffat failed to match her world-leading time of 2012, which she clocked in Paris in June, but said she had plenty in reserve for the final later Sunday.
“It’s just the morning session, so it was about staying awake and making sure (of reaching the final),” said Muffat.
“I won’t be relying too much on emotions, because they can play tricks on you. I know I am ready. I don’t feel tired, I feel good.” Fellow Frenchwoman Coralie Balmy joined Muffat in the final after finishing as the third fastest qualifier with Allison Schmitt of the United States just 0.02sec off Muffat’s time.
Medal contenders in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, the French squad booked their spot in the final with the fourth-fastest time of the heats.
Amaury Leveaux, Alain Bernard, Clement Lefert and Jeremy Stravius won their heat in 3:13.38, but found themselves behind the top three finishers of the second heat: Australia, the United States and Russia — who all broke 3:13.
In the men’s 200m freestyle, Yannick Agnel booked his berth in Sunday’s semi-finals ahead of Monday’s final with the third fastest time behind new 400m champion Sun Yang and 400m individual medley winner Ryan Lochte.
