The 2024 German Swimming Championships, also known as the Olympic Trials, kicked off in Berlin with an impressive performance from Lukas Maertens. He posted a time of 3:40.33 in the men’s 400 freestyle, which was just shy of breaking Paul Biedermann’s world record of 3:40.07 set in 2009. This achievement came after Australian swimmers Elijah Winnington and Sam Short had previously set the two fastest times in the world with a 3:41.41 and 3:41.64, respectively.
Maertens had previously been ranked #4 in the world this season with a time of 3:42.96 at the 2024 World Championships in Doha. His new personal best time surpassed his previous record of 3:41.60 set in April 2022. At the 2022 World Championships, he won a silver medal with a time of 3:42.85.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Maertens will aim to make a mark in the 400 freestyle event. He has consistently been on the podium at the last three World Championships, winning bronze in 2023 and 2024 and silver in