European champion Beryl Gastaldello rounded off the 2022 Fina Swimming World Cup by claiming third in the overall standings after three events across Germany, Canada and USA.
The French Olympian, who won the 100m individual medley titles in Berlin and Toronto and also claimed 50m butterfly gold in Germany, followed up those successes with three second-place finishes in Indianapolis.
Her final ‘podium’ place came in the 100m butterfly on Saturday, won by Sweden’s Louise Hansson.
Gastaldello collected $30,000 for her overall haul of 156.6 points, with American Beata Nelson (173.7) taking the $100,000 title ahead of Siobhan Haughey (165.6) of Hong Kong.
“I’ve made amazing memories and had some amazing swims,” she told Fina.
“It’s been great to get to know so many other swimmers and become almost this little family because I’ve been on my own (as the only French swimmer), during the World Cup so a big shout out to Dylan Carter and Chad Le Clos who have been with me all the way.”
Europe’s other stand-out swimmer during the 2022 World Cup series was Lithuanian Olympic champion Ruta Meilutyte who’s domination of the 50m and 100m breaststroke events saw her finish fifth on the overall standings.
Her two victories in the USA, capped by a 50m success on the final night, secured her two Fina ‘crowns’ – reserved for swimmers who won the same event in Berlin, Toronto and Indianapolis, also secured her $20,000 in bonuses.
“I’m really pleased with how I’m swimming and enjoying everything right now,” she told Fina. “Having so many Lithuanian fans in here tonight was also great for the support.”
The women’s 50m breaststroke saw Meiutyte finish ahead of USA’s fellow Olympic champion Lilly King, with Andrea Podmanikova of Czech Republic third.
Other Europeans to impress on day three in Indianapolis included Poland’s Kacper Stokowski who was second to American Shaine Casas in the 100m backstroke.
Danas Rapsys of Lithuania rounded off an impressive series with second in the men’s 200m freestyle, while Anastasia Gorbenko took third in the women’s 200m individual medley.
Hubert Kos of Hungary (400m individual medley) and Germany’s Marius Kusch (50m butterfly) finished third in their respective events.
The major international highlight of the final day was a stunning new 800m freestyle world record delivered by multiple Olympic champion Katie Ledecky.
The American broke the previous mark – set by Mireia Belmonte of Spain in 2013 – with a new landmark time of seven minutes 57.42 seconds.
The next major target for many of Europe’s top swimmers will be the 2022 Fina Swimming World Short Course (25m) Championships in Melbourne, Australia, from 13-18 December.
