European Championships: Marrit Steenbergen Upholds Dutch Tradition With Title in 100 Freestyle
Through the years, the likes of Dutch stars Femke Heemskerk and Marleen Veldhuis have captured gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle at the European Championships. More, the country has sent Ranomi Kromowidjojo (2012 Olympic champ) and Inge Dekker to the podium in the event.
Marrit Steenbergen has joined that elite company.
On the second night of the European Champs in Rome, Steenbergen surged down the second lap and pulled away from the competition to prevail in 53.24, with France’s Charlotte Bonnet earning the silver medal in 53.62. Claiming the bronze was Great Britain’s Freya Anderson, who touched the wall in 53.63.
Splitting 25.91 at the midway point, Steenbergen trailed Bonnet, who made the turn at 25.74. Yet, when the athletes surfaced for the homebound lap, there was no question Steenbergen had taken command and was not going to relinquish the lead. Steenbergen closed in 27.33, compared to the 27.88 of Bonnet.
Steenbergen unveiled herself as a contender for the title when she powered the Netherlands’ to gold on Night One in the 800 freestyle relay. With the Dutch staring at a slight deficit heading into the anchor leg, Steenbergen dropped a huge split, covering her four lengths in 1:56.26. Not only did Steenbergen lift her country to the top of the podium, she showed she’s in peak form and carrying both speed and endurance.
“I’m very happy,” Steenbergen said. “This is my best time and I’m European champion now. I’m so happy for yesterday’s gold and the individual win today. At the beginning of the season I didn’t expect that. It’s amazing to be among the gold swimmers in Rome.”
There’s no debating the event was missing significant firepower, as the winning time was more than a half-second slower than Mollie O’Callaghan’s victorious mark at the World Championships in June (52.67) and what O’Callaghan (52.63) clocked for gold at the Commonwealth Games. Additionally, the field was missing Swedish star Sarah Sjostrom, the world-record holder in the event and a four-time European champion in the 100 freestyle. This week, Sjostrom has decided to focus on the sprint disciplines – the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly.
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