European Swimming Championships Kick Off in Paris with David Popovici Among Competitors

The 2026 European Aquatics Championships opened in Paris and Saint‑Denis on 31 July and will run until 16 August, featuring five disciplines: artistic swimming, high diving, open‑water swimming, diving and pool swimming. Romanian star David Popovici, Olympic gold‑medalist in the 200 m freestyle and bronze‑medalist in the 100 m freestyle from Paris 2024, entered the competition on 11 August with heats and semifinals for the 100 m freestyle, followed by the final on 12 August. He also contested the 200 m freestyle, with semifinals on 13 August and the final on 14 August. Other leading swimmers include France’s Leon Marchand, Hungary’s Hubert Kós, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon, Italy’s Simona Quadarella, Sweden’s Sarah Sjöström and the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen. The championships provide a key platform for Europe’s top aquatic athletes to vie for medals ahead of future world events.