For many athletes, it is the happiest moment of their career, but for French swimmer Rafael Fente-Damers, the celebrations took a turn.
The 17-year-old booked his spot in the pool after finishing second in the 100-metre freestyle final at France’s Olympic Swimming Trials on Wednesday (AEST), punching the water hard with excitement as he realised his dream.
But Fente-Damers likely wishes he opted for a different celebration, as he quickly appeared to be in pain and clutched his left shoulder.
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He was assisted out of the water before later returning to the pool deck in a sling.
French outlet L’Equipe reported that the teen had dislocated his shoulder.
Fente-Damers touched 0.81 of a second behind 2023 World Championship bronze medallist Maxime Grousset, who won the race with a personal best time of 47.33.
The result secured Fente-Damers spot in the 4x100m relay team alongside Grousset, who revealed he is hopeful the young gun’s recovery “goes well” in time for Paris.
“I hope it goes well for him because we’re waiting for him for the relay,” Grousset said, according to Reuters.
“He’s a bit crazy, that’s why he’s good. He’s not afraid of anything and I think he’s going to progress.”
The opening ceremony in Paris is in 36 days, with the swimming events set to commence from July 27.