The 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris is set to be a thrilling spectacle, especially in the women's 200 breaststroke event. With the world record holder, Evgeniia Chikunova, and the British record holder, Angharad Evans, leading the pack, the race promises to be a nail-biter. But what makes this race even more fascinating is the potential for a new record and the emergence of dark horses like Kay-Lyn Loehr.
The Record-Breaking Race
The women's breaststroke events in Europe have seen a remarkable surge in speed since the 2022 championships. This year, it's highly likely that a faster time will be needed to reach the final than the 2022 winning time of 2:23.27. The sub-20s are the clear frontrunners, with Evans and Chikunova being the only swimmers in the field who have broken the 2:20 barrier in the last two years.
Evans, who set a new British record of 2:19.70 at the GB Swimming Championships, is a formidable competitor. Her performance at the Commonwealth Games, where she won by more than half a second, showcases her speed and consistency. However, her struggle at the World Championships last summer, where she finished 5th, raises questions about her ability to maintain top form throughout the tournament.
Chikunova, the world record holder, is undoubtedly the favorite. Her 2:19.96 seed time, achieved at the World Championships, is slower than Evans' record, but her speed and consistency make her a strong contender. Her ability to break the 2:20 barrier multiple times gives her an edge over Evans.
The Dutch swimmer Tes Schouten, with a lifetime best of 2:19.81, is the only other athlete in the field who has been under 2:20. Her recent performance at the Dutch Trials, where she swam her fastest time since 2024, indicates that she is on track to set a new lifetime best. However, her absence from the 2025 World Championships due to injury and her relocation to Belgium to train with former coach Mark Faber raise questions about her form and consistency.
The Contenders and Dark Horses
Mona McSharry from Ireland, with a new lifetime best of 2:22.22, is a strong contender. Her performance at the Irish Open, where she took two tenths off her previous best, showcases her speed and consistency. After a short break after the 2024 Olympic Games, McSharry seems to be back in full form and will likely qualify for the final, hoping for a medal.
Lisa Angolini from Italy, with a lifetime best of 2:22.28, is also on a clear upward trajectory. Her performance at the Italian Championships, where she took a full second off her previous best, indicates that she has the potential for another massive swim in Paris.
Kotryna Teterevkova from Lithuania, with a lifetime best of 2:22.86, is the final swimmer in the field who has been under 2:23. Her performance at the 2025 World Championships, where she swam a seed time of 2:22.98, indicates that she is a strong contender. However, her season best of 2:23.92 from April's Lithuanian Championships raises questions about her ability to maintain top form throughout the tournament.
The dark horse in this race is Kay-Lyn Loehr from Switzerland. Seeded 12th overall in 2:26.22, Loehr has improved significantly this season, dropping almost two seconds from her pre-season best of 2:27.95. Her ability to improve so significantly in such a short time makes her a potential surprise package in the final.
The Verdict
The gold medal in this race could realistically go to two athletes, with Chikunova and Evans coming in just tenths apart over the last 12 months. Chikunova's world record and multiple sub-2:20 performances give her the edge, but Evans' speed and consistency cannot be overlooked. Schouten's strong performance this season and potential to set a new lifetime best make her a dark horse in the race for the gold medal.
In my opinion, the race for the gold medal will be a close one, with Chikunova and Evans leading the pack. However, Schouten's potential to set a new lifetime best and Loehr's dark horse status make this race even more exciting. The 2026 European Swimming Championships promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the women's 200 breaststroke event being a highlight of the tournament.
