Marrit Steenbergen Rattles Dutch 100 Free Record In 52.96 As She Claims Golden Double In Rotterdam
Marrit Steenbergen was just 0.27 outside Femke Heemskerk’s Dutch 100 free record in 52.96 as she claimed two titles on the third day of the Rotterdam Qualification Meet.
Out in 26.13, the European champion came home in 26.83 in the ninth-swiftest performance by a Dutchwoman all-time headed by Heemskerk’s 52.69 that has stood since 2015.
It was the third-fastest of Steenbergen’s career behind her 52.71 en-route to bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka which followed 52.82 in the semis.
Neza Klancar was 1.87secs adrift in 54.83 for second with Freya Anderson completing the podium in 54,94.
Marrit Steenbergen: Photo Courtesy: Andrea Masini / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
The 23-year-old returned to the water around 45 minutes later for the 200IM, coming from 2.02secs down at the 150 to overhaul Emma Carrasco Cadens with a 29.91 final 50 for victory in 2:11.45.
Carrasco Cadens of Spain took silver in 2:12.62 with Austrian Lena Kreundl taking bronze in 2:14.08.
World bronze medallist Tom Dean won the men’s short medley in 2:00.97 with Charlie Hutchison of Loughborough Performance Centre coming past Thomas Jansen of the Netherlands for second in 2:01.99 to 2:02.06.
Jacob Whittle came from third at halfway to win the men’s 100 free following a 24.69 second 50.
Stan Pijnenburg (48.76) and Sean Niewold (48.84) followed Whittle home.
Kylie Masse completed the backstroke treble with a 59.40 victory over 100m with Louise Hansson – winner of the 100 fly – coming from fourth at the turn to take second in 59.95, 0.33 outside Michelle Coleman‘s Swedish record of 59.62.
Masse and Hansson were the only women inside the minute mark with Maaike de Waard third home in 1:00.46.
A trio of Bath Performance Centre athletes swept the podium in the men’s 100 back, headed by Jonathan Adam in 53.67.
Cameron Brooker was second in 54.22 ahead of Matthew Ward (54.52) with 200 winner and Olympic medley relay silver medallist Luke Greenbank one place off the podium in 54.67.