The 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris, France, is set to be a thrilling event, with the women's 200 IM taking center stage. This race promises to be a battle of speed, strategy, and mental fortitude, with a host of talented swimmers vying for the top spot. Among them, the British duo of Abbie Wood and Amalie Smith are expected to be key contenders, but the field is deep, and surprises are always possible.
Wood, a seasoned competitor, has been a consistent performer in recent years. Her new lifetime best of 2:08.17 at the Aquatics GB Championships in April showcases her current form, but her performance at the Commonwealth Games was underwhelming, finishing 8th. Wood's strength lies in her ability to perform under pressure, having placed 4th at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, her recent results suggest a slight decline, with a 6th-place finish at the 2025 World Championships and 8th at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Smith, on the other hand, is a rising star. At just 15 years old, she broke the European Junior record with a 2:09.61 at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing her early promise. Her victory in the 200 IM at the European Junior Championships last season and her recent bronze in Glasgow indicate a swimmer with a bright future. Smith's strong back half and her ability to perform in high-pressure situations make her a formidable competitor.
The race for the podium is intense, with several swimmers capable of challenging for medals. Ellen Walshe, the Irish record holder, has proven her consistency, making the semi-final at the 2023 World Championships and 2024 Olympic Games. Her recent improvement in backstroke and her Irish record in the 200 backstroke make her a serious contender. Anastasia Gorbenko, the defending champion, will be looking to defend her title, but her recent struggles to match her short course times in long course could be a concern.
Roos Vanotterdijk, a Belgian swimmer, is another medal threat, despite her recent struggles to match her Belgian record. Her short course success and the fact that she didn't race in this event at the World Championships last summer make her a wildcard. Noelle Benkler and Barbara Lesniewska, both junior swimmers, are also expected to challenge for the top eight spots, with Benkler's recent improvement and Lesniewska's impressive lifetime best of 2:12.45.
The race is far from over, with several swimmers capable of surprising everyone. Spain's Alba Vazquez and Italy's Anita Gastaldi have shown impressive times this season, with Vazquez clocking three 2:11-point swims and Gastaldi holding a lifetime best of 2:10.97. SwimSwam's picks place Smith as the favorite, followed by Gorbenko, Walshe, Wood, Vanotterdijk, Gastaldi, Lesniewska, Vazquez, and Benkler.
However, the dark horse in this race is Lea Polonsky from Israel. Despite her season best of 2:15.28, Polonsky's ability to make the semi-finals at the World Championships last summer and her yards swimming success in 2024/2025 make her a potential podium threat. Her 1:51.51 in the small pool indicates a swimmer who can adapt to different conditions, and if she can put it all together in Paris, she could challenge for a medal.
In conclusion, the women's 200 IM at the 2026 European Swimming Championships is a highly competitive event with a deep field of talented swimmers. The battle for the top spot will be intense, with several swimmers capable of surprising everyone. The British duo of Wood and Smith will be key contenders, but the race is far from over, and the dark horse of Lea Polonsky could be a wildcard that no one sees coming.
