French swimmer Mary-Ambre Moluh won the 100m backstroke title and set a new European record at the 2026 European Swimming Championships [1, 2].
The victory marks a significant milestone for French swimming on home soil, establishing Moluh as a dominant force in the backstroke event. Her performance contributes to a gold-medal surge for the host nation during the championships.
Moluh achieved the victory on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Paris centre aquatique [1, 2]. The 20-year-old athlete posted a time of 57.99 seconds [1], a mark that broke the previous European record and secured her the gold medal [1].
In addition to her individual success, Moluh played a key role in the French national team's relay efforts. She was a member of the mixed 4x100m medley relay team that also won gold [2].
The championships have highlighted the depth of the French squad, with Moluh and teammate Grousset managing their series heats on Wednesday morning following their Tuesday night success [2]. Moluh's ability to maintain peak performance across both individual and relay events has positioned her as a standout performer of the tournament.
The record-breaking swim in Paris serves as a benchmark for the event, as Moluh becomes the first woman to reach this specific time in European competition [1].
“Mary-Ambre Moluh posted a time of 57.99 seconds, breaking the previous European record.”
Moluh's record-breaking performance in Paris signals a shift in the European backstroke hierarchy. By securing both an individual gold and a mixed relay title, she demonstrates the versatility and endurance required for elite international competition, placing France in a strong position for future global swimming events.
