Marrit Steenbergen was crowned world champion in the 100m freestyle on Friday in Doha, five months before the Paris Olympic Games. Steenbergen, bronze medalist in the distance last year, won in 52 sec 26 and thus becomes the ninth fastest swimmer in history over the distance.
She beat Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey (52 sec 56), already in silver at previous world championships. The Australian Shayna Jack completes the podium (52 sec 83). Reigning European champion of the event, she won her second gold medal of the week after that of the 4x100m freestyle relay, won with the Netherlands.
At 24, she becomes the first Dutchwoman to win the title race since Inge de Bruijn in 2001, and succeeds the Australian Mollie O’Callaghan who won the title in 2023 and who was not present in Doha.