German duo Martin has potential for medal victories according to Martin's own assessment, described as "quite relaxed". - German duo, according to Martens, maintains a relaxed attitude and holds promising prospects for securing medals
In the pulsating 800m freestyle event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Lukas Maertens secured the bronze medal, finishing behind Ahmed Jaouadi (gold) and Sven Schwarz (silver).
Maertens, who was ranked second in the world and held the European record in the 800m free, was one of the top favourites for a podium finish. The race was highly competitive, with Maertens and his German teammate Schwarz giving a thrilling performance.
Leading up to the event, Maertens had focused on the 400m and 200m backstroke, but his medal chances in the 800m distance were very strong. Despite feeling suboptimal, he confirmed this by earning bronze in a fiercely contested race.
Schwarz, the second German hopeful, analysed that the 800m event was a cautious swim, with competitors feeling each other out and not revealing their strategies. Maertens himself admitted that he did not expect a fast time in the 800m event.
Maertens' teammate, Schwarz, noted that no one wanted to reveal their cards in the 800m event. The two Germans, who are friends but have a certain rivalry, will face off again in the big showdown on Wednesday.
If Maertens wins another title in Singapore, he will be the first German since Paul Biedermann in 2009 to win two gold medals in the pool at a World Championships. The medal event for the 800m event is scheduled for Sunday.
Meanwhile, Maertens has already achieved his biggest goal at the World Championships, as he is now the Olympic champion, world record holder, and world champion in the 400m freestyle. His win on the first day of the pool competitions gave the team "extremely positive momentum."
The world's fastest swimmer this year, Maertens, and Schwarz are in contention for the medals in various events. With their impressive performances, they are setting high standards for German long-distance swimming, following in the footsteps of swimmers like Maertens, Florian Wellbrock, and Oliver Klemet.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding the swimmers' performance-enhancing practices in sports. Lukas Maertens, being a top favorite in sports, secures the bronze medal in the 800m freestyle event after a cautious swim with his competitors careful not to reveal their strategies.
