The upcoming 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris is shaping up to be a fascinating showdown, particularly in the women’s 400m individual medley (IM). What makes this event particularly intriguing is the clash between the rising young stars and the seasoned veterans, all vying for supremacy in one of swimming’s most demanding disciplines. Personally, I think this dynamic is a microcosm of the broader evolution in competitive swimming, where youth and experience are constantly at odds, each bringing its own set of advantages and challenges.
The Youthful Charge: A New Generation Emerges
At the forefront of the younger contingent is Britain’s Amalie Smith, a 16-year-old prodigy who has already made waves on the international stage. What’s striking about Smith is not just her age but her rapid ascent. Last year, she claimed the European Junior title with a championship record of 4:37.02, and then followed it up with a silver at the World Juniors. Her recent performance at the Commonwealth Games, where she secured a silver in the 400 IM with a time of 4:33.70, is a testament to her potential. What many people don’t realize is that Smith’s strength lies in her versatility—she’s equally formidable in breaststroke and butterfly, which gives her a unique edge in the medley events.
But Smith isn’t alone in her quest. Hungary’s Vivien Jackl, just 17, has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her gold in the 1500m freestyle at the 2024 European Championships and her silver in the 400 IM two years ago highlight her ability to excel across distances. What this really suggests is that Jackl’s endurance and technical prowess make her a serious contender, especially if she can replicate her personal best of 4:34.96 from 2024.
Germany’s Noelle Benkler, though slightly less heralded, has been steadily building her case. Her silver at the 2025 European Junior Championships behind Smith shows she’s capable of competing at the highest level. However, her recent performances, including a 4:43.38 at the German nationals, indicate she might not be peaking at the right time. If you take a step back and think about it, Benkler’s challenge is emblematic of the pressure young athletes face to consistently deliver, especially when the spotlight is on them.
The Veterans: Experience in the Spotlight
On the other side of the spectrum are the veterans, led by Ireland’s Ellen Walshe and Israel’s Anastasia Gorbenko. Walshe, at 24, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her silver at the 2021 Short Course Worlds and her finals appearance at the Olympics underscore her ability to perform under pressure. What makes Walshe particularly fascinating is her ability to manage her energy in heats, a skill that often separates the seasoned from the novice. Her recent 4:37.20 at the Sette Colli meet is a strong indicator that she’s in form, but her inconsistency in major championships raises questions about her ability to deliver when it matters most.
Gorbenko, the defending champion, is a study in contrasts. A national record holder in all strokes except butterfly, she has the technical arsenal to dominate. Yet, her recent focus on short course yards swimming and her 10th-place seeding with a time of 4:43.88 suggest she might not be fully prepared for the long course challenge. One thing that immediately stands out is her back-and-forth relationship with the 400 IM—she’s capable of brilliance but also vulnerability. Her performance in Paris will be a litmus test of her ability to transition between formats.
The Dark Horses: Unpredictable Contenders
Beyond the obvious favorites, there are several swimmers who could upset the apple cart. Spain’s Alba Vazquez, once a junior world record holder, has been quietly rebuilding her career. Her recent personal best of 4:29.57 in the short course format and her 4:38.16 in long course suggest she’s back in contention. What this really implies is that Vazquez’s resurgence could be one of the feel-good stories of the championships, especially if she can translate her recent form into a podium finish.
Italy’s Anna Pirovano and Giada Alzetta are also worth watching. Pirovano, at 25, is the oldest in the field 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, including a silver at the 2025 European U23 Championships. These two Italians could be the wildcards that shake up the rankings.
Broader Implications: The Future of the 400 IM
What’s most compelling about this event is what it tells us about the future of the 400 IM. The sport is clearly in a transitional phase, with younger athletes pushing the boundaries while veterans fight to maintain their relevance. This raises a deeper question: Is the 400 IM becoming a young athlete’s game, or can experience still trump raw talent? The answer will likely depend on who can manage the mental and physical demands of this grueling event.
In my opinion, the 2026 European Championships will be a defining moment for the 400 IM. It will either cement the rise of the new guard or reaffirm the value of experience. Either way, it promises to be a spectacle that swimming enthusiasts won’t want to miss. As we watch these athletes dive into the Olympic Aquatics Centre, we’re not just witnessing a race—we’re seeing the evolution of a sport.
