Dutch Star Marrit Steenbergen Shakes Up World Championships Plans with Bold 100 Backstroke Focus, Snubs 200 Free and IM…Read More…

Dutch Star Marrit Steenbergen Shakes Up World Championships Plans with Bold 100 Backstroke Focus, Snubs 200 Free and IM…Read More…

In a surprising twist ahead of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Dutch swimming sensation Marrit Steenbergen has stunned fans and analysts alike by opting out of the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley — two events where she has previously excelled — to instead concentrate her efforts on the 100-meter backstroke.

The announcement, confirmed by the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation earlier this week, represents a significant shift in Steenbergen’s competitive strategy and has sparked a wave of speculation regarding her future trajectory, physical condition, and long-term goals.

A Bold Move from a Versatile Champion

Steenbergen, 25, has long been hailed as one of the most versatile swimmers in Europe. Her resume includes major international medals in freestyle, backstroke, and medley events, and her strong performances at both the European Championships and the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka solidified her status as one of the Netherlands’ premier aquatic athletes.

However, her decision to zero in on the 100-meter backstroke — traditionally not her signature event — is both bold and intriguing.

“This is a strategic choice,” explained Dutch national team head coach Mark Faber. “Marrit has been showing tremendous form in the 100 back in training, and we believe she has a real shot at making the final and possibly medaling. The schedule at Worlds this year is tight, and choosing to focus on fewer events allows her to conserve energy and maximize performance.”

Rising Backstroke Form

Indeed, Steenbergen’s recent performances in the 100-meter backstroke have been raising eyebrows. At the Dutch National Championships earlier this summer, she clocked a personal best of 59.07 seconds — a time that places her firmly in the global top 10 this season and within striking distance of the podium contenders.

While she’s yet to challenge the reigning backstroke queen Kaylee McKeown of Australia, Steenbergen’s form is trending upward. Her underwater work, a critical element in modern backstroke racing, has reportedly improved under a new training regimen that includes specific focus on dolphin kicks and breakout mechanics.

“Marrit has always been an athlete capable of adapting and reinventing herself,” said former Olympic champion and Dutch swimming legend Pieter van den Hoogenband. “This isn’t a retreat from freestyle or IM — it’s a bold bet on where she thinks she can be most dangerous this time around.”

Sacrificing Strongholds: The 200 Free and 200 IM

Perhaps more surprising than the choice of the 100 back is what Steenbergen is leaving behind. The 200-meter freestyle has historically been one of her strongest events. She was part of the Netherlands’ silver-medal winning relay squad in the 4×200-meter freestyle at last year’s World Championships and had a legitimate chance at making the individual final in Singapore.

In the 200-meter individual medley, she’s been a consistent finalist at European levels and even placed sixth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal.

Yet, sources close to the Dutch team suggest that recovery and event scheduling were key factors in her decision. The heats and semifinals for all three of her previously scheduled events occur within a very narrow window, making it physically grueling to perform at peak levels across all.

“This isn’t about backing away from competition,” Steenbergen stated in a short press conference. “It’s about sharpening my focus and trying something new. I love the 200 free and the IM, but I’m trusting my instincts — and my coaches — that the 100 back is where I can make the biggest impact this year.”

A Tactical Play for Paris 2028?

While the spotlight is currently on Singapore, some believe Steenbergen’s choice hints at a longer-term plan for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. With the Dutch team actively rebuilding and restructuring post-Paris 2024, Steenbergen’s pivot may be part of a broader effort to redistribute strengths across individual and relay events.

“There’s no question Marrit is thinking ahead,” said Dutch swimming analyst Erik Lammers. “If she can evolve into a consistent 100 backstroker, it gives the Netherlands greater tactical flexibility in medley relays, which have often been our weak point.”

Teammates and Fans React

Her decision has generated mixed reactions online. Some fans have expressed disappointment at not seeing her compete in her traditional events, while others have praised her courage and willingness to take risks.

Dutch teammate and close friend Kira Toussaint, a backstroke specialist herself, offered her full support. “Marrit has the talent to swim whatever she wants,” Toussaint said. “We’ve trained together in backstroke a lot lately, and trust me — she’s ready.”

Steenbergen’s fans took to social media to voice their encouragement:

• “The Queen of Reinvention! Marrit doing things HER way. Respect.”
• “Will miss her in the 200 IM, but can’t wait to see her fly in the 100 back!”
• “Bold move — and we’re here for it. Go make history!”

Eyes on Singapore

As the World Championships approach, all eyes will now be on Steenbergen’s performance in the 100-meter backstroke. Her decision to sacrifice her best-known events has raised the stakes and added drama to what was already shaping up to be a thrilling competition.

Whether this gamble pays off with a podium finish or not, one thing is clear: Marrit Steenbergen isn’t afraid to bet on herself — and that’s exactly what champions are made of.