European Swimming Championships: French mixed relay team ignites the pool with gold medal win

France's mixed relay team delivered a stunning performance to claim gold in the 4x100m medley at the European Aquatics Championships in Saint-Denis. The victory, France's first title at the event, was a dramatic comeback, with the team overcoming pre-race favorites from the Netherlands and Russia.

Maxime Grousset was a standout performer, delivering a powerful swim in his leg of the race just over an hour after winning silver in the 50m butterfly. His performance propelled the French team forward, setting up Marie Wattel for the anchor leg. Wattel maintained the lead, securing the win despite a strong effort from the Netherlands' Marrit Steenbergen, the world record holder in the 100m freestyle.

The race also saw a remarkable performance from 17-year-old Mary-Ambre Moluh, who set a new European record in the backstroke leg. Despite being one of the youngest and smallest swimmers in the field, she held her own against male competitors and handed over the baton in seventh place, laying the groundwork for the eventual triumph. Carl Aitkaci, the breaststroke swimmer, maintained the team's position before Grousset's heroic effort.