The 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris are shaping up to be a fascinating spectacle, particularly in the women’s 400m individual medley (IM). What makes this event particularly intriguing is the generational clash it embodies—a battle between rising stars and seasoned veterans. Personally, I think this dynamic is what makes sports so compelling: the tension between raw talent and hard-earned experience. Let me break it down for you.
The Youthful Charge
At the forefront of the younger generation is Britain’s Amalie Smith, a 16-year-old phenom who has already cemented her status as her nation’s top 400 IMer. What’s striking about Smith is her rapid ascent. Last year, she claimed the European Junior title with a championship record of 4:37.02, and then secured silver at the World Juniors with a personal best of 4:35.49. This season, she’s been relentless, consistently shaving off fractions of a second from her time. Her breakthrough came at the Commonwealth Games, where she clocked 4:33.70 to win silver—a performance that not only earned her a senior international medal but also catapulted her into the ranks of Britain’s all-time greats.
What many people don’t realize is that Smith’s success isn’t just about speed; it’s about versatility. She’s a strong breaststroker and butterflier, which gives her an edge in the medley events. If you take a step back and think about it, this kind of well-rounded talent is rare, especially at such a young age. She’s not just a swimmer—she’s a strategist, and that’s what makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Smith isn’t alone in her youth-led charge. Hungary’s Vivien Jackl, 17, and Germany’s Noelle Benkler, 18, are also making waves. Jackl, in particular, has international experience beyond her years. She won gold in the 1500m freestyle at the 2024 European Championships and has been a fixture on Hungary’s senior team for two years. Her personal best of 4:34.96, set in 2024, is a testament to her potential. Benkler, while less heralded, has shown steady improvement, with a personal best of 4:39.01. These three teenagers are not just competitors—they’re the future of the sport.
The Veteran Guard
On the other side of the spectrum are the veterans, led by Ireland’s Ellen Walshe, Poland’s Justina Kozan, and Israel’s Anastasia Gorbenko. Walshe, at 24, brings a wealth of experience to the table. She’s a former Tennessee Volunteer with a silver medal from the 2021 Short Course Worlds and a national record of 4:35.32. Her season best of 4:37.20 at the Sette Colli meet suggests she’s in form, but her recent performances have been inconsistent. A detail that I find especially interesting is her ability to peak at the right moments—something only experience can teach.
Gorbenko, the defending champion, is a wildcard. She’s a national record holder in all strokes except butterfly and has a personal best of 4:34.79. However, her focus on short course yards swimming this season raises questions about her long course readiness. Kozan, meanwhile, has been training in the U.S. and set a national record of 4:28.56 in the short course 400 IM. Her long course times have been solid, but she’ll need to bring her A-game to challenge the top contenders.
The Dark Horses
What this really suggests is that the podium is far from decided. Spain’s Alba Vazquez, Italy’s Anna Pirovano, and Giada Alzetta are all in the mix. Vazquez, a former junior world record holder, has rediscovered her form with a personal best of 4:29.57 in the short course. Pirovano, at 25, is the oldest entrant but has shown remarkable improvement, dropping her personal best to 4:39.38. Alzetta, just 19, is making her senior debut but has a strong junior pedigree. These swimmers may not be the favorites, but they’re more than capable of pulling off an upset.
Broader Implications
This event is more than just a race—it’s a microcosm of the sport’s evolution. The rise of young talent like Smith and Jackl reflects the increasing professionalism and specialization in swimming. At the same time, the presence of veterans like Walshe and Gorbenko underscores the value of experience and resilience. This raises a deeper question: In a sport where physical peak often comes in the late teens or early twenties, how do athletes balance the pressure to perform with the need for long-term development?
From my perspective, the 400 IM is a perfect example of swimming’s complexity. It’s not just about speed; it’s about endurance, technique, and mental toughness. The swimmers who succeed in this event are the ones who can master all four strokes while maintaining their focus over 16 lengths of the pool. That’s why I’m so excited to see how this plays out in Paris.
Final Thoughts
If I had to place my bets, I’d say Smith is the favorite, but this is far from a done deal. Jackl, Walshe, and Gorbenko are all serious contenders, and the dark horses could easily shake things up. What makes this event so fascinating is its unpredictability. It’s not just about who’s fastest—it’s about who’s smartest, who’s most prepared, and who can handle the pressure.
In the end, the 2026 European Championships will be a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal. It’s a reminder that swimming is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. And personally, I can’t wait to see who emerges victorious.
