FLASH! Marrit Steenbergen Breaks World Record in 100 Freestyle; Takes Down Sarah Sjostrom’s Longstanding Mark
For the third time in a month, Marrit Steenbergen has cracked the 52-second in the 100-meter freestyle. This latest visit to that special territory, however, made the Dutchwoman the fastest woman in history.
Following speedy performances last month at the Mare Nostrum Series, Steenbergen ripped a 51.68 during Saturday’s finals at the Sette Colli International Trophy in Rome. Racing at the Foro Italico, which has hosted the World Championships and European Champs, Steenbergen blew away a stellar field and registered her name as a world-record holder.
Out in 24.98 and home in a split of 26.70, Steenbergen bettered the 51.71 that Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom had posted at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. (Sjostrom’s time came on the leadoff leg of her country’s 400 freestyle relay.)
Following Steenbergen to the wall in Rome Saturday were Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey (52.52), Italy’s Sara Curtis (52.69) and American Gretchen Walsh (52.91).
🚨Nowy rekord świata na 100m stylem dowolnym kobiet!
🇳🇱 Marrit Steenbergen popłynęła w Rzymie dwie długości basenu w czasie 51.68‼️
Poprawiła rekord Sarah Sjöström 🇸🇪 z 2017 roku o 0.03 sekundy! pic.twitter.com/E4a6j4XK59
— Sportowy Rytm Dnia (@SportowyRytm) June 27, 2026
It’s not a surprise that Steenbergen lowered Sjostrom’s world record, regardless of its age. During Mare Nostrum, Steenbergen turned in 100 free swims of 51.86 and 51.97 to threaten the standard. A month later, she got the job done, and has built major momentum on the road to this summer’s European Championships in Paris.
The 26-year-old Steenbergen is a two-time world champion in the 100 freestyle, having won that title in 2024 (Doha) and 2025 (Singapore). But this year, the Dutch standout has moved to another level. Not only is she now the world-record holder, she is the only woman to break 52 seconds in the 100 free on multiple occasions.
Haughey held a slight lead at the midway point, as she split 24.94. But over the last length, it was all Steenbergen, who emerged in front off a huge turn and continued to expand her margin.
Curtis’ time was good for an Italian record, beating her prior standard of 53.01. Curtis set a European record in the 50 backstroke on Friday.