Paul Biedermann

BERLIN - Serbian swimmer Velimir Stjepanovic, the new European champion in men's 200m freestyle, says that he did all it took to win the gold medal in late Wednesday's final.

Serbian swimmer wins second gold medal

BERLIN -- Serbian swimmer Velimir Stjepanović has won the men's 200m freestyle race in the European Championship in Berlin, Germany.

He won his second gold medal in Berlin, setting a new national record, 1:45.78.

BERLIN - Serbia's Velimir Stjepanovic is through to the final of the 200 m freestyle event at the European Championship in Berlin.

Stjepanovic was 2nd in the second semifinal race with 1:46.79, which is the new national record.

He was second overall in the semifinals, behind world record holder Paul Biedermann with 1:46.69.

The final race is scheduled for Wednesday.

A host of Olympic and world champions will compete in the European championships from Monday looking to land crucial early blows just two years out from the 2016 Rio Olympics.
      
In recent times, the French team have been very strong, but they will be without Olympic 400m freestyle champion Camille Muffat who has retired.