Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of swimming! We're about to uncover some incredible performances and records that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The 2025 European Short Course Championships, held in Lublin, Poland, witnessed a thrilling women's 100m freestyle final. Marrit Steenbergen, the Dutch sensation, stole the show with a breathtaking swim, clocking an astonishing 50.42 and setting a new European Record. But here's where it gets controversial...
Steenbergen's achievement was followed by two remarkable national records. Beryl Gastaldello, a 30-year-old French veteran, stopped the clock at 50.60, breaking her own French record and surpassing the previous standard. Meanwhile, Sara Curtis, a talented 19-year-old from Italy, registered an impressive 51.26, taking down the Italian mark previously held by the legendary Federica Pellegrini.
Gastaldello's split of 24.55/26.05 earned her a well-deserved silver medal and a spot as the 7th-fastest performer in history. Curtis, on the other hand, claimed the bronze, improving upon her semi-final time of 51.29. But this isn't the first time Curtis has made waves; she's been on fire this week, anchoring Italy's mixed 4x50 free relay to a World Record with an incredible split of 22.71.
The all-time top performers in the women's SCM 100 free include Kate Douglass, Cate Campbell, and Gretchen Walsh, with Steenbergen now joining this elite list at number four.
In the women's 100 freestyle final, Steenbergen dominated, breaking Sarah Sjostrom's former European Record and Ranomi Kromowidjojo's Championship and Dutch Record. This achievement propelled her to the fourth-fastest performer in the event, a remarkable feat.
Gastaldello's French record time of 50.60 and Curtis' Italian record of 51.26 in the final event of the session further solidified their positions as top performers.
So, what do you think? Are these records a testament to the athletes' hard work and dedication, or is there something else at play? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Retta Race, a former Masters swimmer and coach, brings her expertise to the BBC, providing insightful commentary on these thrilling events.
