Luca Karl's near-miss: Neunter in 5km at the Schwimm-EM
Austrian swimmer Luca Karl finished ninth in the 5 km race at the Schwimm-EM in Paris on Wednesday, falling more than 40 seconds short of a medal position. German Florian Wellbrock claimed gold, while Karl trailed the podium by over 40 seconds.
Der Salzburger Luca Karl, the 24‑year‑old, secured a Top‑Ten‑Platz in the second open‑water event at the Schwimm-EM. The report, filed by EPA/FRANCO ARLAND, highlighted his consistency across the championships.
In the 5 km race, Karl posted a Rang nine finish, missing the Medaillenränge by more than 40 Sekunden. The gap underscored the tight competition among the world’s best open‑water swimmers.
The Deutsche Florian Wellbrock secured gold, also winning the Auftakt of the championships. Wellbrock’s winning time was 55:40.2 Minuten, a clear margin ahead of his rivals.
Trailing Wellbrock, the Ungarn David Betlehem took second place, finishing +2.3 Sek behind, while the Italiener Gregorio Paltrinieri claimed third, +4.5 Sek off the pace.
The day before, Karl had finished eighth in the 10‑km Freiwasserbewerb, another Top‑Ten result that demonstrated his endurance across distances.
Am Freitag, Karl is scheduled to compete in the 3‑km knockout race on the Seine, adding another opportunity to improve his standing at the championships.
The coverage originates from APA, dated 5.8.2026, confirming the details of Karl’s performances and the upcoming events.