Luxembourg is sending a 5-man roster to the 2014 European Aquatics Championships that begin in Berlin, Germany next week, the federation (FLNS) has announced.
The two stars of the team are Laurent Carnol and Raphael Stacchiotti – both of whom swam at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships for Luxembourg. Carnol, a breaststroker, made the semi-finals there in the 200, and was on the verge of making the finals were it not for a tough semi’s performance. He swam a lifetime best in the 100 at that meet of 1:00.76 after having plateaued for a few years, and should be at least a two-event finalist at Euros.
The other star is Stacchiotti, who has some versatility that makes him a great IM’er. He’s been 2:00.22 in the 200 IM and 4:17.20 in the 400 IM.
If Stacchiotti were able to pop out a decent butterfly time (he’s capable, with a lifetime best of 55.12), a medley relay that had Jean-Francois Schneider on the backstroke leg, Carnol swimming breaststroke, and rising teen sprint star Julien Henx (50.82 best in the 100 free long course) on the anchor leg, then the Luxembourg medley might just challenge for a spot in finals.
Team members are: Pit Brandenburger, Laurent Carnol, Julien Henx, Jean-Francois Schneiders and Raphaël Stacchiotti.
This Luxembourg team, then, will be without Julie Meynen – a swimmer who was 27th in the 50 free at Worlds last year in 25.74. The 17-year old has raced very well this year, but won’t make the short trip to Berlin regardless.