"It's not easy to swim on the big stage like the Olympic Games," he told Olympics.com. "I was too nervous and couldn't swim my best. I was really young then and have developed self-confidence since then, which is vital if you are to succeed at the biggest events."

Rather than succumbing to disappointment, Wellbrock used it as fuel for improvement. Just a year later, he broke into the world's top 20 and was crowned European Champion in the 1,500m in Great Britain in 2018.

Florian Wellbrock: World championship breakthrough

The actual breakthrough moment came at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships, where Wellbrock made history by becoming the first swimmer to win the 1,500m freestyle and the 10km open-water race at an international competition.

His versatility took centre stage at the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, where he claimed titles in the individual 5km and team relay for open water, along with silver in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle. He became the first German to win five medals at a World Swimming Championship, showcasing his excellence across different disciplines.

In 2023, Wellbrock reaffirmed his dominance at the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, winning the open water competition over 10 kilometres and successfully defending his 5km title. His triumph secured his spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he will continue to redefine expectations and aim for that elusive double gold record.