From joy to agony: How a ‘crazy’ French swimmer put his Olympics hopes in jeopardy by celebrating

It is the happiest moment of an athlete’s life.

Looking back at the board, seeing that you have done enough to qualify for the Olympic Games — even better, an Olympic Games that is taking place in your home country.

Of course you’ll celebrate. Who wouldn’t?

Rafael Fente-Damers probably wishes he had done so with slightly more restraint though.

The 17-year-old French swimmer was thrilled to come second in the 100m freestyle at the French Olympic Swimming trials at the Piscine l’Odyssée in Chartres, south west of Paris — perhaps too thrilled.

Maxime Grousset, bronze medallist at the 2023 World Championships, won the race in a lifetime best of 47.33, with Fente-Damers steaming home in second with a 48.14.

Kyle Chalmers swam 47.75 in Brisbane last week at the Australian Trials, the only Australian to dip under the Olympic qualifying time.

Fente-Damers was, understandably, thrilled with his performance and slapped the water hard with his left arm.

Unfortunately, the youngster then immediately appeared to be in some pain and had to be helped from the water.

He later appeared at a media call, smiling, with his arm in a sling.

“He is a little bit crazy,” Grousset, the 25-year-old from New Caledonia, told reporters after the race of his young counterpart.