The Gators welcome the Lyon, France native to Gainesville for the 2026 Fall Semester.
Women’s Swim & Dive Add Maeline Bessard to 2026-27 Roster
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | Women's Swimming & Diving
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
Stay Connected
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
"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
| 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 |
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
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