European Swimming Championships: 'A year ago, Mary-Ambre and I were being scolded,' says bronze medalist Mahieu

Pauline Mahieu savors her second European Championship bronze medal, achieved in the 100m backstroke at Saint-Denis. The French swimmer's performance represents a significant mental breakthrough, as she reflects on her progress and the team's growing strength.

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I really had this objective in mind because I tell myself that the day I gain speed, coming back in under thirty will still be very tough.

Mahieu expressed immense satisfaction with her race, particularly her second 50 meters, which she completed in under 30 seconds (29.82 seconds), a personal best. "I really had this objective in mind because I tell myself that the day I gain speed, coming back in under thirty will still be very tough," she said. Sharing the podium with teammate Mary-Ambre Moluh was a particular joy. "It's really not easy to have two from the same nation, so I'm very happy. Once again, you're highlighting French backstroke... Clearly, and I'm happy because we really have a great complicity, a great competition that pushes us upward."

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It's really not easy to have two from the same nation, so I'm very happy. Once again, you're highlighting French backstroke... Clearly, and I'm happy because we really have a great complicity, a great competition that pushes us upward.

Reflecting on the past year, Mahieu recalled a moment of disappointment at the World Championships where both she and Moluh were unhappy with their performance and received criticism from coaches. "I remember that about a year ago, Mary-Ambre and I were in the world final. We were very disappointed with what we had there and the coaches were scolding us because we were complaining. And today, we are both on the podium. I think that's a nice revenge," she stated.

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I remember that about a year ago, Mary-Ambre and I were in the world final. We were very disappointed with what we had there and the coaches were scolding us because we were complaining. And today, we are both on the podium. I think that's a nice revenge.

Looking ahead, Mahieu is also slated to participate in the 4x100m medley relay. Her personal assessment of the European Championships is overwhelmingly positive. "It's definitely positive. Plus, I'm leaving with two personal records in the 100m, which is really good. And beyond that, what I will remember is really the state of mind I had: the calm, letting go, the desire, the fact that I managed to enjoy everything, my loved ones, the atmosphere," she concluded.

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It's definitely positive. Plus, I'm leaving with two personal records in the 100m, which is really good. And beyond that, what I will remember is really the state of mind I had: the calm, letting go, the desire, the fact that I managed to enjoy everything, my loved ones, the atmosphere.