Imagine shattering not just one, but two records held by swimming legends in a single session. That's exactly what Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen accomplished at the 2025 European Short Course Championships, leaving the swimming world in awe. But here's where it gets even more impressive: these weren't just any records – they were European records in the 100m Individual Medley (IM) and 200m freestyle, previously held by the iconic Sarah Sjöström and Katinka Hosszú, respectively.
The 2025 European Short Course Championships, held in Lublin, Poland from December 2-7, witnessed Steenbergen's remarkable feat. In a span of just over an hour, she first demolished Sjöström's 100m IM record at 7:00 PM local time, and then followed it up by eclipsing Hosszú's 200m freestyle mark at 8:20 PM.
And this is the part most people miss: Steenbergen's achievement isn't just about breaking records; it's about the unique trajectory of her career. Once hailed as the next big thing in Dutch swimming, injuries sidelined her for a significant portion of her prime years.
Steenbergen's story is one of resilience and reinvention. By 15, she was already clocking impressive times in the 100m and 200m freestyle. However, a shoulder injury in 2018 derailed her progress, and she virtually disappeared from the international scene. Her comeback began in 2022, and since then, she's been on a tear, steadily improving her times and expanding her repertoire.
But is she on par with Sjöström and Hosszú? While it's too early to say she's reached their legendary status, Steenbergen's ability to break their records in the same session is undeniably remarkable. It raises the question: Is she the only swimmer to achieve this feat, or has Hosszú herself pulled off a similar double?
Steenbergen's evolution extends beyond the pool. After a disappointing medal-less performance at the Paris Olympics, despite being ranked world #1 in the 100m freestyle, she took a strategic break. This period of reflection allowed her to refocus and adopt a new mindset, prioritizing enjoyment and mental well-being.
Her approach seems to be paying off. She's dropped times in events she hadn't focused on recently, like the 100m IM, showcasing her versatility and continued growth. With swimmers increasingly competing at elite levels well into their 30s, Steenbergen's story is far from over.
Will she be a force to be reckoned with at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? Only time will tell, but her relentless drive and ability to overcome adversity suggest she's a swimmer to watch closely.
What do you think? Can Steenbergen reach the heights of Sjöström and Hosszú? Let us know in the comments below!
For more details on the 2025 European Short Course Championships, visit the official website: https://europeanaquatics.org/swimming-short-course-lublin-2025/
- Live Results: https://www.omegatiming.com/2025/european-aquatics-short-course-swimming-championships-live-results
- Live Recaps:
Athlete Bios:
* Marrit Steenbergen: https://swimswam.com/bio/marrit-steenbergen/
* Sarah Sjöström: https://swimswam.com/bio/sarah-sjostrom/
* Katinka Hosszú: https://swimswam.com/bio/katinka-hosszu/
