12th World Military Lifesaving Championship kick off in Montpellier, France
MONTPELLIER (FRA) - The 12th World Military Lifesaving Championship commenced with an opening ceremony on May 18, 2024, in Palavas-les Flots, France.
Attendees of the ceremony included General Paul Sanzey, Senior Officer Commissioner in charge of French military sports; Official CISM Representative and Member of the CISM Headquarters Commander Dimuthu Thissera; PCSC Swimming Navy Captain George Margiolakis; the Chiefs of Mission of the Member Nations; Mr. Christian Jeanjean, Mayor of Palavas-les-Flots; and Mr. Wim Nuyens, representative of the International Life Saving Federation.
Commander Dimuthu Thissera, the Official CISM Representative, welcomed the athletes with the following words: “We are gathered here not only as competitors but also as representatives of our nations, united by the common goal of showcasing our talents, honoring our traditions, and fostering camaraderie through sport. Your participation today enhances this event and strengthens the bonds of friendship that cross borders.”
He also added: “I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the French military and the local authorities in Palavas, le Grau du Roi, and Montpellier for their tireless efforts in organizing this championship. A big thank you to the French Armed Forces and the entire organizing committee for their hard work and dedication. Your efforts and hospitality have set the stage for an outstanding event.”
The OCR concluded: “In line with CISM’s motto, 'Friendship through Sport,' I encourage you all to make new connections, cherish old friendships, and create lasting memories together. Beyond your athletic pursuits, take the time to interact with athletes from other teams.”
The competitions, which gathered 144 athletes from 11 nations, began on May 19 with various beach events held in Le Grau-du-Roi, including the 2km Run, Surf Race, Board Race, Rescue Tube Rescue Relay, Board Rescue Race, and Beach Flags.
In the women's 2km Run, France's Private Camille Julien secured first place, followed by China's 2nd Lieutenant Haoqin He and 2nd Lieutenant Xin Cheng in second and third respectively. The men's 2km Run saw Spain's Private Jesus Pulido taking the top spot, with Poland's Chief Warrant Officer Krzysztof Terlecki in second and France's Sergeant Kevin Lasserre in third.
For the women's Surf Race, France's Sergeant Margaux Fabre triumphed, with Italy's Corporal Lucrezia Fabretti coming in second and France's Private Camille Julien placing third. In the men's category, Italy's Corporal Nicola Roberto claimed victory, followed by Poland's Private First Class Kacper Majchrzak and France's Sergeant Kevin Lasserre in second and third.
The Board Race for women saw France dominating, with Private Elise Daudignon finishing first and Sergeant Margaux Fabre in second. Germany's Corporal Anna-Fiona Volz secured third place. In the men's Board Race, France's Private Santxo Etcheverry and Private Jérémie Lahet took first and second places, with Switzerland's Private Cyril Senften coming in third.
In the women's Rescue Tube Rescue Relay, the French team composed of Private Elise Daudignon, Sergeant Margaux Fabre, Officer Cadet Ava Pretre and Petty Officer Second Class Lola Montagut won first place. Germany's team took second place, while Brazil's team came in third.
Poland emerged victorious in the men's Rescue Tube Rescue Relay with Private First Class Kacper Majchrzak, Private First Class Cezary Kepa, Private First Class Adam Dubiel and Private First Class Hubert Nakielski. Brazil's team finished second and China's team secured third place.
In the women's Board Rescue Race, France's duo of Sergeant Margaux Fabre and Private Elise Daudignon clinched first place. Germany's Corporal Anna-Fiona Volz and Private First Class Gina Zech came in second, with Italy's Corporal Masha Giordano and Corporal Gioia Mazzi finishing third. The men's Board Rescue Race saw France's Private Santxo Etcheverry and Private Jérémie Lahet in first place, Switzerland's Private Cyril Senften and Private Nico Lenzlinger in second, and Germany's Corporal Nils Mundelein and Corporal Paul Wohlers in third.
In the Beach Flags event, France's Private Elise Daudignon won the women's competition, with Petty Officer Second Class Lola Montagut also from France in second place, and Poland's Private First Class Anna Dowgiert in third. The men's Beach Flags saw Italy's Corporal Lorenzo Giaccone taking first place, followed by China's Corporal Wenxu Qin in second and France's Private Tom Durager in third.
For detailed results and further updates, visit the LOC Website.
The competitions are also being livestreamed on Sportall.
See you today for the second day of the Beach Events in Le Grau-du-Roi !
(Source: CISM Media & Communication - Pictures: Centre National des Sports de la Défense)
