Maertens hails German success after world 400m freestyle gold
Maertens, the Olympic champion and world record holder in the event, pipped Australia's Sam Short by 0.02sec. to become world champion for the first time.
Countryman Wellbrock won four golds in the open water events at this year's world championships and Maertens said the German team were enjoying the fruits of their hard work.
"I think we did a big step forward, the whole team," said Maertens.
"All the girls and guys are a really young team and there are a lot to come.
"Now I'm one of the old guys and I'm 23. That means a lot and I'm really proud to be in the German team."
Maertens came home in 3min 42.35sec after a fierce battle with Short, the 2023 world champion.
South Korea's Kim Woo-min, the reigning world champion, was third in 3:42.60.
Maertens was the favourite for the title after breaking the world record in Stockholm in April, a mark that had stood since 2009.
But Short fought him every stroke of the way, losing out after an incredible tussle to the finish.
"There was a lot of pressure, also as the world record holder, it wasn't easy to fight these guys," said Maertens.
"I tried my best, I gave everything, and I'm really happy and proud to be a world champion now.
"Germany has a new world champion and that's not usual, I think."
Australia's Elijah Winnington, the Paris Olympics silver medallist, surprisingly failed to qualify for the final.
Short finished fastest in the morning heats ahead of Maertens.
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