Greek swimmer Artemis Vasilaki finished seventh in the women's 1500m freestyle final at the European Championships in Paris on Friday.
The 20-year-old athlete completed the race in 16:21.26 after showing visible signs of fatigue following a demanding schedule of previous swims in the competition.
Vasilaki's time in the final was slightly slower than the entry time she carried into the French capital, although she had shattered that mark on Thursday, August 13, during the preliminary heats. In that race, she posted a national record of 16:13.83.
The fatigue in Friday's final followed three strong performances by the Greek swimmer earlier in the tournament, comprising two races in the 800m freestyle and her initial heat in the 1500m freestyle.
Quadarella wins gold with championship record
Italy's Simona Quadarella claimed the gold medal in the 1500m freestyle final, setting a new championship record with a time of 15:46.22. The victory marked Quadarella's tenth European Championship gold medal overall and her fourth title in the 1500m freestyle.
The podium in the 1500m final was identical to that of the 800m freestyle event held earlier in the championships. German swimmers Isabel Gose and Maya Werner secured second and third places once again, taking silver in 15:49.31 and bronze in 15:52.50 respectively.
Full results of European 1500m freestyle final
The official final standings and times for the women's 1500m freestyle at the European Championships were recorded as follows:
- 1. Simona Quadarella (Italy) - 15:46.22 (championship record)
- 2. Isabel Gose (Germany) - 15:49.31
- 3. Maya Werner (Germany) - 15:52.50
- 4. Vivien Jackl (Hungary) - 15:57.39
- 5. Ksenia Misharina (Neutral/Russia) - 16:09.12
- 6. Angela Martinez (Spain) - 16:20.35
- 7. Artemis Vasilaki (Greece) - 16:21.26
- 8. Maria de Valdes (Spain) - 16:32.71
The European Aquatics Championships represent the top continental competition for competitive swimming, gathering elite athletes across long-distance and sprint events. Quadarella's championship record performance reaffirmed her position among Europe's premier distance swimmers.
Vasilaki remains one of Greece's top prospects in long-distance freestyle events. Her national record set during Thursday's heats highlighted her potential on the European stage despite the physical demands of contesting multiple long-distance races.
