In the final 3 km Knockout Sprints 500m heat, David Betlehem (22, Hungary, World Aquatics bio here, @betlehemdavid) was surrounded by gold medalists (Gregorio Paltrinieri and Florian Wellbrock) and a fellow Olympic medalist (Marc-Antoine Olivier).
But David utilizes the Betlehem Blast and got off to his signature underwater start. “I think I was also a bit lucky today. I wasn’t boxed in at the start, which gave me the chance to move straight to the front. I’m always proud when I can be on the podium and compete for the win, but now it’s about going home, staying focused, and preparing for the next races and the European Championships.”
The victory was his third straight in World Cup races – and it all started underwater. When he rose to the surface, he never gave up his advantage.
He also won the 10 km race on a wavier course on Friday…with very specific long-term goals in mind. “[My] long-term focus is clearly on Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Everything now is about learning, adapting to different conditions, and building towards that.“
Onwards to LA28.
World Cup 3 km Knockout Sprints Results
- David Betlehem, 22, Hungary 5:43.30
- Gregorio Paltrinieri, 31, Italy, 5:45.20
- Marc-Antoine Olivier, 29, France, 5:46.60
- Logan Fontaine, 27, France 5:47.90
- Andrea Filadelli, 25, Italy, 5:48.70
- Matteo Diodato, 23, Italy, 5:52.10
- Leonardo Brandt de Macedo, 20, Brazil, 5:56.20
- Ethan Parker, 19, France, 5:57.80
- Florian Wellbrock, 28, Germany, 5:58.20
- Victor Moreno, 19, Brazil, 6:01.40
In an efficient utilization of resources and opportunities, the Spanish Open Water Swimming National Championships are also being concurrently held in the same venue (see here).
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