The 2026 European Championships in Paris is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with the women's 4x100 medley relay taking center stage. This event has witnessed a dynamic shift in recent years, with new winners emerging annually, breaking the dominance of previous champions. The question on everyone's mind is: will the Dutch team, led by the exceptional Marrit Steenbergen, end their 60-year drought and claim the title?
Steenbergen, the Netherlands' star swimmer, has been on an extraordinary run this season. Her versatility is remarkable, as she can excel in various strokes, including backstroke, where she set a new personal best of 58.33 seconds. This performance puts her in a strong position to anchor the Dutch relay team, potentially delivering a split time of 51 seconds or better. However, the team's strategy may vary depending on the form and availability of other swimmers.
The Dutch relay team has a strong foundation with Tes Schouten and Tessa Giele in the middle legs, known for their consistency and speed. The combination of Steenbergen and Milou van Wijk on the freestyle and backstroke legs, respectively, could be a game-changer. This dynamic duo has the potential to challenge for the top spot, especially if Steenbergen's anchor leg is as dominant as expected.
However, the favorites for silver are the Neutral Athletes B, formerly known as the Russian team. Despite competing under a neutral flag, they have a well-balanced squad with no significant weaknesses across their four legs. Their performance at the World Championships last summer, where they finished fourth in 3:55.17, showcases their depth and speed. Alina Gaufutdinova and Evgenia Chikunova are expected to contribute strong splits, while Daria Klepikova's fly leg could be a game-changer.
Great Britain, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. Their ace, Angharad Evans, is a world-class breaststroke swimmer, but Lauren Cox's performance at the Commonwealth Games has been inconsistent. Cox's time of 1:00.35 in the 100 freestyle is a concern, and she will need to improve significantly to challenge for a medal. The British team's strength lies in their versatility, with Keanna MacInnes and Theodora Taylor ready to make a splash in the fly and freestyle legs, respectively.
Italy, France, and Germany also have their work cut out for them. Italy needs to find a reliable backstroker, while France's Chloe Braun has yet to break the 1:08 mark in breaststroke. Germany, on the other hand, has a strong engine room, but the anchor leg is yet to be decided.
Poland, the 2024 European champions, faces a challenging task after a disappointing performance at the World Championships. Their return to form will depend on the consistency of Adela Piskorska, Dominika Sztandera, and Kornelia Fiedkiewicz.
Sweden and Spain, both with weaknesses in breaststroke, will need to rely on their other swimmers to make a splash. The Swedish team's chances rest on the decision of Sara Sjostrom, while Spain's young squad, led by Irene Ciercoles Galve and Laura Cabanes Garzas, has the potential to surprise.
Among the contenders, Ireland stands out as a dark horse. Their team, featuring Danielle Hill, Lottie Cullen, Mona McSharry, and Ellen Walshe, has the potential to bring the national record below 4:00 minutes. With no doubles on the final day, they could make a strong case for a finals appearance.
In conclusion, the women's 4x100 medley relay at the 2026 European Championships promises to be a thrilling race. The Dutch team, led by Marrit Steenbergen, has the potential to end their drought, while the Neutral Athletes B and Great Britain are strong contenders for silver. The event will be a showcase of swimming excellence, with each team bringing its unique strengths and strategies to the pool. As the competition heats up, the question remains: who will emerge as the champions and etch their names in European swimming history?
