Swimming European Championships: Wellbrock wins gold again in open water

German swimmer Florian Wellbrock has claimed his second gold medal at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, adding the open water 5km race to his earlier 10km victory. The 28-year-old Olympic champion showcased his dominance in the Seine River, once again finishing ahead of Hungary's David Bethlehem.

Wellbrock, who also won gold in the 10km event, demonstrated remarkable consistency and strength by securing the top spot in the shorter open water distance. Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri took bronze, while Oliver Klemet of Germany, who had previously won bronze in the 10km race, finished tenth in this event.

This latest triumph brings Wellbrock's total European Championship medal count in open water swimming to five. The native of Bremen, a four-time world champion in the discipline, had faced uncertainty about his form earlier in the season due to three separate illnesses. However, his performance in Paris proved he remains a top contender even without optimal preparation.

Wellbrock employed a strategic approach in the Seine, setting a strong pace early on and controlling the race through variations in speed. He effectively neutralized the competition, effortlessly blocking an attempted surge from Bethlehem on the final lap to secure his second European title in Paris.