Henrik Christiansen made a big impression at the Swim Open Stockholm event on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old Norwegian bested his competitors in the 400 meter freestyle, swimming a time of 3.46.47. This was the best year in the world, and a clear improvement on the great talent’s Norwegian record of 3.47.71, which he set during the WC in Kazan.

– I am pleased. It’s great when you set a personal record of 1.5 seconds. His form is good, so it will be even more exciting in the championship, said Henrik Christiansen to NRK.

He won by almost six seconds to second place, namely Adam Paulsson of Sweden.

The final peak of performance before the Olympics

Christiansen is usually the best at distances of 800 and 1500 meters, but now he is showing that he can also master the 400 meters.

– I did a very good race where I got a lot of technical details right. At the start of the race I was quite aggressive, and maybe I got a little tired towards the end. But actually this race was quite planned, said Christiansen.

The swimming meet in Stockholm runs until Saturday.

– The future plan here is to swim quickly and easily. This will be my last peak of performance before the Olympics. Therefore, we want to see if what we are doing is correct and I am able to develop myself. “I showed it today,” said the 19-year-old.

– Is there anything you can improve on ahead of the Olympics?

– There are always some things you can do better. Today’s race was great, but I could have swam faster. “At least I’ll do that at the Olympics,” Christiansen said.

– Together towards the Olympics

After the event in Stockholm, a lot of training awaits the swimming star.

– First I went home for a week, then to the highland camp for three weeks. Then go home, then live at altitude again. Things are going well ahead of the Olympics, Christiansen said and added:

– I will train a lot before the Olympics. I don’t know how many there are.

16-year-old Truls Wigdel also qualified for Wednesday’s final. He finally finished in fifth place with a time of 3.54.44. Thus, he meets the requirements of the European Commission.

Earlier today, Sverre Næss also placed fifth in the 200 meter breaststroke when he swam a time of 2.13.84. That wasn’t good enough to qualify for the Olympics.