The entry list for the European Swimming Trials 2026 has officially been published, and one thing is immediately clear: from 2 to 5 July, Eindhoven will host one of the strongest swimming meets ever held on Dutch soil. The combination of the Open Dutch Long Course Championships and the European Swimming Trials has attracted a large and high-quality field, featuring Dutch stars, international medal contenders and an impressive contingent of para-swimmers.
Dutch Elite in Action
Virtually all leading Dutch swimmers have entered the championships. Fans can look forward to seeing names such as Marrit Steenbergen, Milou van Wijk, Tessa Giele, Kim Busch, Maaike de Waard, Valerie van Roon, Sean Niewold, Kenzo Simons and many others in action.
Several events promise to be exceptionally competitive. The women’s 100 freestyle alone features Marrit Steenbergen (51.86), Milou van Wijk (52.91), Roos Vanotterdijk (53.62), Florine Gaspard (53.71), Tessa Giele (54.62) and Kim Busch (55.37).
The women’s 50 freestyle is equally stacked, with Steenbergen, Van Wijk, Gaspard, Giele, Vanotterdijk and Busch all entered within seven-tenths of a second of each other.
Strong Belgian Challenge
The Belgian delegation adds an exciting international dimension to the championships. Leading the team are European-class sprinters Roos Vanotterdijk and Florine Gaspard, both entered in multiple sprint events. Vanotterdijk enters the 50 butterfly as the fastest swimmer in the field and is also among the top contenders in the 50 and 100 freestyle.
Together with Dutch stars such as Marrit Steenbergen, Milou van Wijk, Tessa Giele and Maaike de Waard, the Belgian swimmers ensure several races will have an international championship atmosphere long before the European Championships begin.
One of Europe’s Strongest Para Fields
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the entry list is the exceptional para-swimming programme.
The para events have attracted a large international field featuring swimmers from Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. Among the entries are Paralympic and World Championship medal winners such as Alice Tai, Simone Barlaam, William Ellard, Faye Rogers, Lisa Kruger, Liesette Bruinsma, Bas Takken, Rogier Dorsman and Florianne Bultje.
Great Britain alone sends a formidable para squad, while TeamNL PARA is represented by many of its biggest names. The result is a para programme that would not look out of place at a major international championship.
Corbeau vs. Kamminga: A Heavyweight Clash in the Breaststroke Events
Few storylines are as intriguing as the men’s breaststroke events. Olympic medallist Arno Kamminga and world short-course record holder Caspar Corbeau are both entered, setting up a fascinating showdown across the breaststroke programme.
Particularly on the 50m breaststroke, where margins are often measured in hundredths of a second, fans can expect fireworks. The sprint distance leaves little room for error and could produce one of the fastest races of the entire championships.
The 100m and 200m breaststroke promise equally compelling battles. Corbeau has established himself among the world’s elite in recent years, while Kamminga remains one of the most experienced and successful championship swimmers in Europe. With European Championship qualification on the line, every race carries added significance.
For swimming fans, the prospect of seeing Kamminga and Corbeau racing head-to-head in Eindhoven is one of the highlights of the entry list.
Sprint Spectacle Guaranteed
Looking through the entry lists, the sprint events stand out as some of the strongest races of the meet.
The women’s 50 butterfly features Roos Vanotterdijk, Tessa Giele, Maaike de Waard and Florine Gaspard.
On the men’s side, the 50 butterfly includes Sean Niewold, Thomas Verhoeven, Kenzo Simons, Simon Claasen and several international challengers from Great Britain, Germany, Ukraine and Switzerland.
These events are expected to deliver some of the fastest racing of the entire championships.
Four Days of Championship Racing
The European Swimming Trials will serve as the key qualification opportunity for Dutch swimmers aiming to secure selection for this summer’s European Championships. With national titles, international prestige and championship places on the line, the stage is set for four days of high-level racing in Eindhoven.
For swimming fans, the publication of the entry list confirms what many had hoped: the inaugural European Swimming Trials will feature not only the best of Dutch swimming, but also a strong international field and one of the most impressive para-swimming line-ups seen in the Netherlands in recent years.