Poland’s Katarzyna Wasick edged Sjöström to win the women’s 50m freestyle gold in Paris; denies Sjöström record 19th European title
European Aquatics Championships 2026: Sarah Sjöström narrowly misses out on gold-medal record
European Aquatics Championships 2026: Sarah Sjöström narrowly misses out on gold-medal record
Poland’s Katarzyna Wasick edged Sjöström to the wall to claim the women’s 50m freestyle gold in Paris on Saturday (15 August).
Poland’s Katarzyna Wasick denied Swedish superstar Sarah Sjöström a record-breaking 19th European swimming title with her victory in the 50 metres freestyle in Paris on Saturday (15 August).
The 34-year-old Wasick touched just 0.02 seconds ahead of Sjöström to claim a maiden European title with a winning time of 23.84. Sjöström had to settle for the silver medal, missing out on breaking the long-standing record for the most gold medals at the continental championships.
The Swedish swimmer tied the record with Germany’s Franziska van Almsick with her victory in the women’s 50m butterfly on Wednesday to claim her 18th gold.
Sjöström, the three-time Olympic gold medallist, is already the most decorated swimmer at these championships, boasting 18 gold, eight silver and four bronze medals.
Speaking exclusively to Olympics.com after the race, Sjöström said she would take some confidence from her performances at the championships where she produced some fast times.
“It was a really tough final. A lot of fast girls. I think I’m sure that was the first time I was in a European Championship final with three girls under 24 seconds,” Sjöström told Olympics.com.
“So I mean, I’m really happy with my performance. It’s actually much better than I thought I was able to be at this time. So I’m very happy with that, and I feel positive about the future .”
The 14-time world champion has made a stunning return to the pool with her performances here in Paris coming just a year after she gave birth to her first son in August 2025.
“I’m glad that I was able to still do a really good time and make it to the podium. I’m not as strong as I was before. I’m not as fast as I was before, but somehow I managed to still swim really fast time ,” Sjöström reflected.
“So it motivates me to try to see how fast I can be when I come back to my old strengths and speed in the water. I was still able to do a really fast time, even though I’m not there yet. It was really fun to be here and race.”
The three-time Olympic gold medallist and 50m butterfly world record holder was fast off the block, holding a narrow lead halfway through the race.
But Wasick finished with a flourish to edge Sjöström to the wall, with Italy’s Sara Curtis rounding out the podium in 23.99.
Picture by 2026 Getty Images
31 July - 16 August
European Aquatics Championships | Paris | France