Pavel Samusenko is an able backup, with a season best of 52.72 and a lifetime best of 52.40 from last season. In Thomas Ceccon they have the 100 back world record holder, and he led off in 51.80 at the World Championships last year. He split 47.33, one of four 47-low splits at the World Championships last summer, and has a season best of 47.83. Grousset is also coming off an injury that may temper the extent of his lead over the field on the fly leg. Germany placed 7th at the 2024 Olympic Games but were disqualified at the World Championships and come in with a point to prove.