Paris, 16 August 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Germany's Johannes Liebmann broke the world record to win gold in the 1,500 metres freestyle at the European Aquatics Championships on Saturday.

The 19-year-old triumphed in Paris in 14:26.79 minutes, clearly beating the previous best mark of 14:30.67 set by US swimmer Bobby Finke in 2024.

"I knew that I can swim fast. I wanted to go out fast, I knew that it would hurt. But seeing the time at the end was something else," Liebmann told reporters.

"In reality it is just a personal best. I also don't know whether I can get close to that time again."

Hungary's Zalan Sarkany took silver. Bronze went to Liebmann's team-mate Oliver Klemet.

For Liebmann, it was already his second title at his first European Championships after also winning the 800m freestyle.

He set an blistering pace from the start that nobody was able to match. For the final 200m, all spectators were on their feet and cheered Liebmann home.

Photo: EPA