GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The nationally ranked Florida women’s swimming & diving program added Maeline Bessard to its 2026–27 roster. A native of Lyon, France, the freestylist will join the Gators for the Fall 2026 semester.

“We are so excited to have Maeline joining us this fall,” said Associate Head Coach Kristin Walker. “What stuck out about Maeline during the recruiting process is her desire to be challenged, passion for racing, and eagerness to join teammates that also have high goals. Cannot wait to see the impact she will make!”

 

Bessard has competed in several French Championships, with her performances highlighted by a second-place finish in the 200-meter freestyle at the 2024 French Championships. At the 2024 French Junior Championships, she captured titles in the 100, 200 and 400-meter freestyles, while adding runner-up finishes in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke events. Most recently, Bessard competed at the 2025 French Junior Championships in Angers, France, where she recorded four individual top-five finishes. In addition to her individual events, Bessard is also a key contributor in relay events.

 

Why Bessard chose the University of Florida:

“I chose UF because of its academic reputation and commitment to student success. UF offers high quality programs with modern facilities. In addition, the conversations I had with the coaches were productive and confirmed my commitment to the university.”

Maeline Bessard | Lyon, France

• Specialty: Freestyle
• Club: Grenoble Nautic Club Alp’38
• Instagram: @maelinebessard

2025 Individual Performances

Competition	Event	Time	Final Place
5èmes France Junior Championships 25m Dec. 10-14, 2025 Angers, FRA	50m Free Finals 100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 400m Free Finals	25.28 55.08 1:58.34 4:12.57	4th 4th 2nd 4th
Sommer Schweizermeisterschaft July 10-13, 2025 Lausanne, SUI	50m Free Finals 100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 50 Fly Prelims	26.69 57.53 2:02.70 29.52	12th 4th 2nd 30th
LEN European Junior Championships July 1-6, 2025 Samorin, SVK	100m Free prelims 200m Free Finals	27.25 56.68 2:02.18	22nd 16th
Championnats de France Elite Natation June 14-19, 2025 Montpellier, FRA	50m Free Finals 100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 400m Free Prelims 100m Back Prelims 200m Back Prelims	26.20 56.13 2:01.56 4:21.65 1:06.87 2:24.77	20th 15th 7th 10th 41st 33rd
37e Meeting International de Canet-en-Roussillon May 24-25, 2025 Canet-en-Roussillon, FRA	50m Free Prelims 100m Free Prelims 200m Free Finals 50m Fly Prelims	26.83 56.83 2:03.45 29.82	31st 28th 15th 41st
6es France Jr. Championships April 15-20, 2025 Rennes, FRA	50m Free Finals 100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 400m Free Finals 50m Fly Prelims 100m Fly Finals	26.54 56.49 2:00.97 4:17.78 29.35 1:05.13	4th 4th 3rd 1st 41st 24th
Edinburgh International March 14-16, 2025 Edinburgh, SCO	50m Free Finals 100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 400m Free Prelims	26.38 56.65 2:00.93 4:19.08	18th 16th 6th 6th
25th CMCM Euro Meet Jan. 31-Feb.2, 2025 Luxembourg, LUX	100m Free Finals 200m Free Finals 100m Back Finals	56.77 2:01.14 1:06.97	9th 3rd 20th
Challenge International de Geneve Jan. 24-26, 2025 Geneve, SUI	200m Free Finals	2:01.46	3rd

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