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.