Anna Elendt delivered. And how. The breaststroke won bronze over 100 meters at the short course world championships in Melbourne, the first medal for the German Swimming Association (DSV) and also set a German record in 1:04.05 minutes.
At the same time she fulfilled the hopes placed on her. After her silver medal at the world title fights in the 50m pool in Budapest, the 21-year-old was probably the only candidate for the precious metal Down Under.
“I’d rather be a slayer,” Elendt had said before her race, which she tackled on the eighth lane rather unnoticed. After a cautious start, the woman from Frankfurt got faster and faster and scratched the medal. At first she was listed only in fourth place. But Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte, who originally beat Elendt, was later disqualified because the diving phase was too long. Correspondingly happy with a beaming smile, Elendt then presented her medal.
“At first I didn’t even realize I was third when I suddenly heard my name,” Elendt reported. The weather is good, but not satisfactory. “I was annoyed that I didn’t manage the last corner and the stop so well,” said the bronze medalist.
Personal success year 2022
For Elendt, 2022 is a truly successful year. Silver in Budapest, now bronze in Melbourne, as well as several German and personal bests: training in Austin/Texas in the USA is good for the pupil. You can tell that she is currently at peace with herself. “If I’m happy, I can swim fast,” Elendt said.
Contrary to his plans, he skips the 200m breaststroke on Friday and wants to concentrate entirely on the 50m at the weekend. He’s doing very well at this distance. In Wednesday’s disqualified 4 × 50-metre medley medley relay, she swam a sensational 28.67 seconds from a flying start. The current German record dates from 2009 and stands at 29.55 seconds.
