The 2026 European Swimming Championships are set to take place in Paris, France, from August 10-16, 2026, and the women's 200 breaststroke event is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With the world record holder, Evgeniia Chikunova, and the British record holder, Angharad Evans, both swimming under 2:20 in the last two years, the field is incredibly competitive. The race to be crowned champion is on, and the battle for silver is just as intense.
Chikunova, the world record holder with a time of 2:17.55, is undoubtedly the favorite. However, her seed time of 2:19.96, which she swam at the World Championships, is slower than Evans' 2:19.70. Evans, who set a new British record in April, has been consistently fast, winning the Commonwealth Games in 2:23.79. The challenge for both swimmers will be to match their best times outside of their home countries.
The only other swimmer under 2:20 is Tes Schouten from the Netherlands, who has a lifetime best of 2:19.81. She has been strong this season, swimming her fastest time since 2024 at the Dutch Trials in July. Mona McSharry from Ireland, who also set a new lifetime best of 2:22.22, will likely qualify for the final and is hoping for a medal. Lisa Angolini from Italy and Kotryna Teterevkova from Lithuania are also in the 2:22 range, with Teterevkova being the only swimmer under 2:23.
The field is crowded with swimmers in the 2:23 range, including Alina Zmushka, Anna Elendt, Ellie McCartney, and Clara Rybak-Andersen. Zmushka and Rybak-Andersen are the only swimmers who have been faster than their seed times, with Zmushka holding a lifetime best of 2:23.30 and Rybak-Andersen at 2:23.67. McCartney has the fastest season best of the four, at 2:24.51.
The gold medal could realistically go to either Chikunova or Evans, who are just tenths apart over the last 12 months. Chikunova's edge comes from her multiple sub-2:20 swims, while Evans' consistency and speed make her a strong contender. Schouten, McSharry, and the other swimmers in the 2:22 range will also be vying for medals.
A dark horse in the race is Kay-Lyn Loehr from Switzerland, who is seeded 12th with a time of 2:26.22. Loehr has improved significantly this season, dropping almost two seconds from her pre-season best. Teenagers often show huge improvements, and if Loehr performs well in the prelims, she could make it to the final.
The 2026 European Championships promise an exciting showdown in the women's 200 breaststroke, with multiple swimmers capable of challenging for gold and silver. The race will be a true test of speed, technique, and mental fortitude, and the battle for the podium will be fierce.
