Get ready for an exciting chapter in European swimming as we dive into the 2026 European Championships, specifically the women's 4x100 medley relay. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a unique twist: the Dutch team, led by the exceptional Marrit Steenbergen, is poised to end a remarkable 60-year drought without a European title.
The women's 4x100 medley relay has been a highly competitive event in recent years, with four different winners across the last four European Championships. This year, the Dutch are aiming to break that trend and claim their first title since 1966.
Steenbergen, the current star of European swimming, has been a key figure in the Dutch team's strategy. Known for her powerful anchor leg performances, she has delivered multiple 51-point splits. However, the Dutch may opt for a different strategy this time, positioning her on the backstroke leg. This move could be a game-changer, as Steenbergen recently set a new personal best of 58.33, significantly faster than her teammate Maaike de Waard's entry time.
The potential combinations for the Dutch team are intriguing. Based on lifetime bests, keeping Steenbergen on the anchor leg might be slightly faster, but the final decision could depend on who performs best during the meet. With Tes Schouten and Tessa Giele locked in for the middle two legs, the choice between Steenbergen/van Wijk or de Waard/Steenbergen for the remaining spots will be crucial.
Russia, competing as Neutral Athletes B, is a strong contender for silver. With no apparent weak spots across their four legs and a young, talented team, they could pose a significant challenge to the Dutch. Alina Gaufutdinova's entry time of 59.51 in the 100 back is impressive, and Evgenia Chikunova's breaststroke split of 1:04.92 from 2023 is a reminder of their depth.
Great Britain is another team to watch. Angharad Evans, their breaststroke specialist, has proven herself as a world-class performer, consistently splitting under 1:04 this season. If Lauren Cox can deliver a strong performance on the backstroke leg, they could be in contention for a medal.
Italy and France, despite some weaknesses, have the potential to surprise. Italy's strength in breaststroke, with Benedetta Pilato and Anita Bottazzo, could be a game-changer. France, on the other hand, boasts the fastest backstroker in Europe this season, Mary-Ambre Moluh.
Germany, with world champions Anna Elendt and Angelina Kohler, has an impressive engine room. Their anchor leg, with four swimmers between 54.30 and 54.47 this season, is a position of strength.
The 2026 European Championships promises to be a showcase of talent and strategy. With the Dutch aiming to end their long wait for a title, the women's 4x100 medley relay is set to be a highlight of the event. Personally, I think the Dutch have a real chance to make history, and it will be fascinating to see how their strategy unfolds. This event raises the deeper question of whether a team's success is solely determined by individual performances or if there's a magic in the synergy between teammates.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for an upset. With so many strong teams and a history of different winners, the 2026 European Championships could see a new champion emerge. It's an exciting prospect, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
