Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen has not set a new world record in the 100-meter freestyle, according to official records maintained by World Aquatics, the international governing body for swimming. While recent reports from regional outlets suggested a record-breaking performance, current data confirms the world record in the women’s 100-meter freestyle remains at 51.71 seconds, held by Sweden’s Sarah Sjöström since July 2017.
Clarifying the Record Status
The confusion regarding the 100-meter freestyle record appears to stem from misinterpretations of recent competitive results. As of this date, the World Aquatics official records database does not list any performance by Steenbergen that surpasses Sjöström’s long-standing mark. Steenbergen, a 24-year-old Olympic and World Championship medalist, remains a top-tier competitor in the event, but her personal best does not currently eclipse the world record standard.
Steenbergen has enjoyed significant success on the international stage, most notably securing the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha. Her time in that final was 52.26 seconds. While this performance confirmed her status as the fastest woman in the world for that specific championship cycle, it remained 0.55 seconds shy of the global benchmark set by Sjöström at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.
Contextualizing Competitive Benchmarks
In competitive swimming, world records are subject to rigorous verification processes. To be ratified, a performance must take place at a meet sanctioned by a national federation and recognized by World Aquatics, utilizing electronic timing systems and meeting specific anti-doping protocols. No such ratification has been issued for a new 100-meter freestyle record in 2024 or 2025.
The 100-meter freestyle remains one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Sjöström’s record, established during the 4x100m freestyle relay lead-off leg in Budapest, has withstood challenges from several elite sprinters, including Cate Campbell of Australia and Siobhán Haughey of Hong Kong. Steenbergen’s progression in the event—moving from a middle-distance specialist to a world-class sprinter—has been a focal point for Dutch swimming, but the gap between her best times and the world record persists.
What Lies Ahead for Steenbergen
Steenbergen continues to train under the guidance of the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation (KNZB). Her focus remains on maintaining her standing among the world’s elite as the international calendar moves toward future World Cup circuits and continental championships. Athletes typically use these meets to refine technical aspects of their starts, turns, and underwater phases, which are critical for shaving hundredths of a second off their times.
Fans of the sport can track official results and potential record attempts through the official World Aquatics website. All official updates regarding rankings and record ratifications are published directly by the federation following the conclusion of sanctioned meets.
As Editor-in-Chief at Archysport, I emphasize that our coverage relies strictly on verified data from governing bodies. Accurate reporting on times and records is essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport for our global readership. We will continue to monitor the Dutch national team’s progress as they prepare for the next major international competition cycle.
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