In a storyline that is coming to define his career as much as his two Olympic gold medals two, French superstar Yannick Agnel has pulled out of the 2015 FINA World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia. Angel said in a statement released via the French Swimming Federation that he suffered from “pleurisy” in early June, which caused him to shutdown his training twice and to prevent normal training for almost a month.
“I’m disappointed not to be able to defend my world title after a good start, especially as the training in Font-Romeu (May) had happened ideally. The Olympics are still my priority and I want to put all my chances for success in Rio. For this, I know that it is better to play safe since I already had a pneumonia in 2011. I prefer to fully recover, rather than spending considerable energy to prepare for the World Championships in conditions that are far from optimal. I will resume training with Lionel mid-August to prepare hard games. I have a thought for my friends of the France team, I am confident that they will surpass in Kazan, as in every big event. ”
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, typically caused by viral infections. The most noteworthy symptoms are a sharp pain in the chest while breathing.
According to the FFN, Agnel will stop his training on Monday to recover, and won’t resume until mid-August, when he will begin preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
With this news, the defending 100 meter freestyle champion (James Magnussen) and 200 meter freestyle champion (Agnel) will both be out of this year’s World Championships with health problems.
Agnel pulled out of the 2014 World Short Course Championships at the last minute in 2014; and was violently sick at the 2013 French Championships and threatened to only swim relays (which he later opted against).
Besides his individual medals, this will cost France their best chances at relay medals in the 400 freestyle and 400 medley team events.
Agnel took only a bronze medal in the 200 free at the 2014 European Aquatics Championships.
After one day of reflection and based on the Agnel we’ve seen this season, I would say officially that his withdraw costs us:
– probably nothing in the 200 free. We must be realistic. I didn’t see Agnel medal at worlds.
– a little about our gold medal chances in the 4X100 free relay because it means less turnover possible for the coaches between the prelims and the finals.
– everything about our gold medal chances and medal chances in the 4X200 free relay because without him it’s a disaster. No depth.
– and nothing about our medal chances in the 4X100 medley relay because he would’t have swum the anchor leg.
That all feels pretty fair and welll thought . Your 400 free is the biggest relay to keep fully on top . The other relays will improve between now and next year . No problemo
There is no French cheese in Russia either . There may never be any again . Life goes on .
With the favorite not in, I’m going to predict:
1) Biedermann 1:44.6
2) McEvoy: 1:45.0
3) Hagino: 1:45.2
Yang, Dwyer, Lochte all in the final but missing the podium.
It’s very hard not to be concerned for Yannick’s future at this point. Where does he go from here? Hope to see him back as soon as possible – Huge talent!
I forgot Le Clos…
Even if I’m a big fan I don’t see him swimming under 1:46.3 …
Not regarding his absolute potential but his lack of experience on this event and a personal best set at 1:47.2 does not facilitate a huge emergence… but who knows ? 🙂
Going to say Lochte wins in 1:44 low but wouldn’t be surprised if someone new leapfrogs everyone and goes under 1:43. Don’t count out Biedermann though. He didn’t go 1:42.00 and 3:40.07 simply because of a suit, anyone thinks he didn’t or does not currently work hard is fooling themselves. He has a laser stroke and better closing speed than Lochte and even Hagino
I don’t see Lochte going under 1:45.8 even if he’s still a wonderful competitor.
This year Biedermann is able to swim his best textile, I would say between 1:44.5 and 1:44.7.
He dropped 400 and updated his strategy.
Hagino should improve but I don’t expect a big gap. Maybe 1:44.8 / 1:44.9.
More difficult to guess about Sun Yang. I would say between 1:44.9 and 1:45.2.
Like all, I have big expectation abour Mc Evoy but it seems that his main goal will be the 100m.
So, the range of possible is bigger. Could be (based on his speed potential) from 1:44.4 to 1:45.7 (if he definitly opted for the sprint preparation).
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If Lochte won a medal in the 200 free he would become a legend. I cant recall anyone his age winning a medal in this race at world level. He peaked in 2011 and was already an anomaly then, at 27. But now?
I agree but he is not your average swimmer, 2011 was even more impressive considering he beat all his suited times except for the 400 IM which he beat a year later. I would not be surprised if wins gold
Sad to hear an ailment took out agnel. If we was healthy and in shape he would have been the man to beat, but obviously he isn’t. I doubt that anyway can break 145 in Kazan. This is a Pickem event at this point. I doubt it would be sun or biederman or lochte, more likely Mcevoy, Hagino or Dwyer.