The 2024 Mare Nostrum Tour’s first stop in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, saw top-tier swimmers from around the world compete in a highly anticipated Olympic qualifying event. The meet, held on Saturday, May 25th, and Sunday, May 26th, featured long course metre (LCM) races, with prelims starting at 9 a.m. local time and finals at 5:30 p.m. Swimmers aimed to achieve Olympic qualifying times, making every race critical as they set their sights on Paris 2024.
Notable Absences
One of the biggest stories of the weekend was the withdrawal of Swedish sprint sensation Sarah Sjostrom. The 30-year-old world record holder, known for her explosive performances in the butterfly and freestyle sprints, was notably absent from the competition. Fans worldwide were disappointed to learn that Sjolstrom, who entered in Canet, had to pull out due to illness.
Sjostrom explained to SwimSwam, “I had a fever Thursday or Friday. Still coughing a bit, but might come to Barcelona. Definitely Monaco.” Her statement reassured fans that they might see her compete in the upcoming legs of the Mare Nostrum Tour, with the Barcelona meet scheduled for May 29–30 and the Monaco meet on June 1–2. The Monaco stop, in particular, is highly anticipated as it features the unique skins format in the 50-metre sprints of each stroke, a format where Sjostrom has previously excelled.
Day 1 Highlights
Prelims RecapThe first day of prelims saw intense competition as swimmers aimed to secure spots in the finals. Notable performances included strong swims from French and international athletes, showcasing the depth of talent present at the meet.
**Finals RecapThe evening finals did not disappoint, with several standout races. The men’s 100-metre freestyle was a highlight, with close finishes that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In the women’s 200-metre butterfly, several young talents emerged, signalling a promising future for the discipline.
Day 2 Highlights
Prelims RecapDay two prelims continued the trend of fierce competition. Swimmers were focused and determined, knowing that their performances could earn them a place in the Olympics. The men’s 50-metre freestyle prelims were particularly competitive, setting the stage for an exciting final.
Finals RecapThe final session of the meet featured thrilling races across multiple events. In the men’s 200m backstroke, the crowd witnessed a new personal best from a rising star, while the women’s 100m breaststroke final showcased a dominant performance from an established champion.
looking Ahead
With the Canet-en-Roussillon stop now complete, swimmers and fans alike are looking forward to the next legs of the Mare Nostrum Tour. The upcoming meetings in Barcelona and Monaco promise to bring even more excitement and high-calibre performances. Sarah Sjostrom’s potential return to Barcelona and her likely participation in Monaco will be key highlights to watch, especially given her past success in the skins format.
The 2024 Mare Nostrum-Canet-en-Roussillon provided an exciting start to the tour, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions. Despite some notable absences, the meet delivered thrilling races and impressive performances, underscoring the competitive spirit and talent of the swimmers as they aim for Olympic glory.
EVA 
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