The 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris, France, will see the women's 4x100 medley relay take center stage, with a potential end to the Dutch team's 60-year drought. The Dutch, led by Marrit Steenbergen, are the favorites to win, but the competition is fierce.
Steenbergen, a star swimmer, has been on the anchor leg, delivering impressive splits. However, her best combination this year might be on backstroke, where she set a new lifetime best. The team's success will depend on the strategic placement of Steenbergen and her teammates.
Russia, competing as Neutral Athletes B, is a strong contender for silver. They have no real weak spots across their legs, with all swimmers under 22. Alina Gaufutdinova and Evgenia Chikunova are key players, but Daria Klepikova's fly leg might be the fastest in the field.
Great Britain, led by Angharad Evans, is also in the mix. They have a strong breaststroke team, but Lauren Cox's performance has been inconsistent. The team's success will depend on Cox's ability to maintain her best form.
Italy, France, and Germany also have strong teams, but they face challenges. Italy needs a better backstroker, France's breaststroke leg is weak, and Germany's anchor leg is uncertain.
The race for the final is intense, with Poland, Sweden, and Spain also in the mix. Ireland, a dark horse, has a strong team and could bring the national record under 4:00.
The Dutch team's strategic placement of Steenbergen and her teammates, along with the strong performances of other nations, will determine who ends up on the podium.
