Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen delivered one of the greatest performances in women’s swimming by setting a new world record in the 100m freestyle at the Sette Colli International Trophy in Rome. The 26-year-old clocked an incredible 51.68 seconds, becoming the fastest woman in history over the distance.
Steenbergen erased the previous world record of 51.71 seconds, set by Swedish Olympic champion Sarah Sjöström at the 2017 World Championships. The new mark ended a record that had remained untouched for nearly nine years and further established the Dutch star as the leading force in women’s sprint freestyle.
Race Summary
Steenbergen faced a strong field that included Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey and Italy’s Sara Curtis. Haughey was slightly ahead at the halfway stage, but Steenbergen produced a powerful second 50 metres to surge into the lead and finish in world-record time.
Top Three Results (Women’s 100m Freestyle):
Marrit Steenbergen (Netherlands) – 51.68 seconds (World Record)
Siobhan Haughey (Hong Kong) – 52.52 seconds
Sara Curtis (Italy) – 52.69 seconds
A Record Years in the Making
Steenbergen’s achievement was no surprise to those following the sport closely. She had already hinted at record-breaking form earlier this season by swimming 51.86 seconds during the Mare Nostrum series in France, making it clear that Sarah Sjöström’s long-standing record was under serious threat.
Since defending her world title in Singapore in 2025 and earning the European Aquatics Women’s Swimmer of the Year honour, Steenbergen has continued to raise her level. Her latest performance confirms that she has entered a new phase of dominance in international swimming.
Steenbergen’s Reaction
After the race, the Dutch swimmer admitted that the moment had not fully sunk in. She also expressed hope that her performance would encourage more athletes to push beyond the 52-second barrier, believing that every world record inspires the next generation of swimmers to aim even higher.
Key Records
New Women’s 100m Freestyle World Record: 51.68 seconds
Previous Record: 51.71 seconds (Sarah Sjöström, 2017)
Venue: Sette Colli International Trophy, Rome, Italy
Steenbergen’s Earlier Season Best: 51.86 seconds
Age: 26 years
Steenbergen’s historic swim is expected to reshape the women’s sprint freestyle landscape. With major international championships on the horizon, the Dutch star has sent a strong message to her rivals by proving that even one of swimming’s most iconic world records can be surpassed.
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