Marrit Steenbergen breaks women's 100m freestyle world record at Rome's Trofeo Sette Colli
The Dutch world champion clocked 51.68 seconds, erasing Sarah Sjöström's 2017 mark of 51.71. Sara Curtis took third with a new Italian record of 52.69.
Record falls in Rome
Marrit Steenbergen of the Netherlands set a new world record in the women's 100m freestyle at the Trofeo Sette Colli in Rome on Saturday. She touched the wall in 51.68 seconds, slicing three hundredths off the previous mark of 51.71 held by Sweden's Sarah Sjöström since 2017. The swim took place at the historic Olympic Stadium pool during the international meet that serves as a qualifier for the European Championships.
I looked at the screen and asked myself if it was true. And yes, it's me! I've been trying for so long, now I've managed it and I don't even know how to describe it.
- Sarah Sjöström (2017)
- 51.71 s
- Marrit Steenbergen (2026)
- 51.68 s
The race
Steenbergen's record led a fast field. Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong finished second in 52.52, while Italian Sara Curtis claimed third in 52.69, a new national record that improved her previous best of 53.01. American Gretchen Walsh placed fourth in 52.91.
- Marrit Steenbergen
- 51.68 s
- Siobhan Haughey
- 52.52 s
- Sara Curtis
- 52.69 s
- Gretchen Walsh
- 52.91 s
Curtis's breakthrough meet
The 100m freestyle was not the only highlight for Sara Curtis. One day earlier at the same meet, the 20-year-old swam 27.07 in the 50m backstroke, setting a European record and posting the fourth-fastest performance in history. Curtis, who trains in the United States under Todd De Sorbo and in Italy with Thomas Maggiora, entered the final as the third-fastest qualifier.
Steenbergen's ascent
The Dutch swimmer has been in strong form. In May, she broke the national record twice in four days, clocking 51.86 in Canet-en-Rousillon, France. Already the reigning world champion in the 100m freestyle, Steenbergen is now the fourth woman ever to go under 52 seconds in the event. Sjöström was the only sub-52 swimmer at the time of her 2017 record; now Steenbergen joins an elite group.
