GB's Shanahan Makes History with European 200m Backstroke Gold
Katie Shanahan of Great Britain made history by breaking the British record to win the women's 200m backstroke gold at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
Shanahan's breakthrough senior international year with Great Britain came in 2022 at Rome's European Championships, where she took a sensational silver medal in the 200m backstroke final.
The 2022 European Championships marked a significant moment in Shanahan's career, as she began to establish herself as a top contender in the women's 200m backstroke event. Her impressive performance at the championships caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, and she has since continued to dominate the event.
Shanahan's victory in Paris marked her first European 200m backstroke gold, and she celebrated the achievement with a time of 2:10.50, breaking the British record.
The British record-breaking performance was a testament to Shanahan's hard work and dedication to her craft. She has been training with her coach, Steven Tigg, for several years, and their partnership has yielded impressive results.
Meanwhile, Irish swimmer John Shortt also made waves at the championships, shattering the men's 200m backstroke national record. However, it was Shanahan's achievement that stole the headlines, as she became the first British swimmer to win the European 200m backstroke gold.
Earlier this year, Shanahan competed in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she won silver in the 200m backstroke and 4 x 100m medley relay. Her performances at the championships demonstrated her ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
Shanahan's victory in Paris marked a significant milestone in her career, and she will likely be a key contender in future international competitions.
Source: BBC Sports