Häll sets Swedish record in first championship final

Thilda Häll continues to impress, setting a new Swedish record in the 800m freestyle final at the European Championships in Paris. The 21-year-old swimmer finished sixth in her first senior championship final, clocking in at 8:31.52. This performance broke her own record, set just the day before in the heats.

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It's great to get confirmation so early in the championship that the form is there.

"It's great to get confirmation so early in the championship that the form is there," Häll said. "Especially considering I still have the 400 and 1500 meters left." She noted that her move to the United States a year ago for studies and swimming has significantly boosted her development.

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Especially considering I still have the 400 and 1500 meters left.

"I have a great team I train with, and for the first time, I have a woman I can swim against in every training session," Häll explained. She felt relaxed before the final, focusing on enjoying the race. "Of course, you start to doubt yourself a little when you face people who have won Olympic medals," she admitted, but recalled her training partner's advice to view competitors as aids to swimming faster.

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I have a great team I train with, and for the first time, I have a woman I can swim against in every training session.

Häll is also scheduled to compete in the 200m freestyle, but indicated she might withdraw due to the success in the longer distances. "I'll talk to my coaches, but it's leaning that way," she said. The race was won by Italy's Simona Quadarella.

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Of course, you start to doubt yourself a little when you face people who have won Olympic medals.