Eight Spanish Swimmers Already Have Their Ticket for the European Championships in Paris 2026

Eight Spanish swimmers already have their ticket for the European Championships in Paris 2026

The Sabadell Championship boosts the national team's options with a display of historic lows

The Sabadell pool has become the perfect setting for Spanish swimming to demonstrate its sweet moment. The second day of the Spanish Championships has been prolific in terms of minimum marks: five more swimmers have joined the shortlist for the European Championships in Paris, the most important event on the summer calendar.

Luca Hoek, the young talent from Terrassa, has been the undisputed star of the day. The swimmer has completed a double feat that will hardly go unnoticed in the coming weeks. In the morning he had already guaranteed his place in the 50 meter freestyle event with a time of 22.02 seconds, the time required for the European Championship. However, in the afternoon he raised the bar to unsuspected limits.

The time of 21.93 seconds has not only guaranteed the absolute European minimum, but has also set a new Spanish record for the distance. The previous record, also owned by Hoek, was set at 21.99 seconds. The progress of the swimmer from Terrassa positions him as one of the great promises on the national scene for the coming years.

Diego Mira has been another of the great protagonists of the day. The swimmer from Sabadell completed the 400 meter medley in 4 minutes and 14.91 seconds, lowering the 4:15.29 required by the European minimum. This mark allows him to dream of representing Spain in Paris, although he will have to confirm his level at the Mallorca Open in June, which will be the main selective event.

Open water specialists lead the way

In the 1500 meter freestyle event, the three great open water specialists have met expectations. Paula Otero led the trio with a time of 16:17.55, demonstrating exceptional fitness. María de Valdés (16:21.05) and Ángela Martínez (16:22.02) have completed the Spanish trilemma, all of them below the required 16:23.18.

The afternoon session also left good news in the junior category. Irene Ciércoles, Sara Costa and Alba Rubio have joined Luca Hoek on the list of swimmers who have achieved the necessary marks for the European Junior Championships in Munich.

Complete list of classifieds

Swimmers with minimums for the European Championships in Paris:

Luca Hoek (Terrassa) – 50 meter freestyle
Carlos Garach (Churriana) – 400 meter freestyle
Adrián Santos (Sant Andreu) – 50 meters backstroke
Iván Martínez (CNB) – 50 meters backstroke
Diego Mira (Sabadell) – 400 meters styles
Paula Otero (Arteixo) – 1500 meters freestyle
María de Valdés (Mataró) – 1500 meters freestyle
Ángela Martínez (KZM Swimming) – 1500 meter freestyle

Swimmers with minimums for the Munich Junior European Championship:

Luca Hoek (Terrassa) – 50 meter freestyle
Juan Vallmitjana (CNB) – 400 meter freestyle
José Enrique Rodríguez (Canoe) – 200 meters breaststroke
María de los Dolores Melgosa (El Valle) – 400 meters freestyle
Irene Ciércoles (Sant Andreu) – 50 meter freestyle and 50 meter backstroke
Alba Rubio (Marina-Cartagena) – 1500 meters freestyle
Sara Costa (Gredos) – 50 meter backstroke and 200 meter backstroke
Carla Bellón (Gredos) – 50 meters backstroke
Carlota Rodríguez (Canoe) – 50 meters butterfly

Next steps towards the European

The road to Paris does not end here. Spanish swimmers will have one last opportunity to demonstrate their level at the Mallorca Open, scheduled for June. This tournament will be the definitive event to confirm the European places, although the marks achieved in Sabadell place Spain in a privileged position for the final selection.

Luca Hoek's progression is particularly striking. The young swimmer has gone from touching the 22-second barrier to breaking it completely, establishing a new national record that places him among the best European distance specialists. His versatility, capable of competing at both the senior and junior level, makes him a valuable asset for the national team.

As for the open water specialists, Paula Otero, María de Valdés and Ángela Martínez have shown that Spain has a solid group for the long-distance events. His performance in the pool could translate into good performances in open water, where Spain has achieved historic podiums in international competitions.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Spanish Swimming Championships

When is the Paris 2026 European Championship held?

The European Swimming Championships will be commemorated during the summer of 2026 in Paris, being one of the most important sporting events on the international aquatic calendar.

What is the Mallorca Open?

The Mallorca Open is the main selective tournament to define the Spanish team that will represent Spain in the European Championship in Paris. It will be commemorated in June 2026.

Who is Luca Hoek?

Luca Hoek is a Spanish swimmer from the Terrassa club who holds the Spanish record in the 50 meter freestyle with a time of 21.93 seconds. He has achieved the European minimum in both the senior and junior categories.

What events make up the 400 meter styles?

The 400 meter medley is a test that combines the four swimming styles: breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and freestyle, held in this order.

How many Spanish swimmers have a minimum for the European Championships in Paris?

Currently, eight Spanish swimmers have achieved the minimum requirements for the European Championships in Paris 2026.

What is a European minimum?

The European minimum is the qualification time that the European Swimming Federation establishes to be able to participate in the European Championships. Each test has a different time limit.

Where has the Spanish Championship been held?

The Spanish Swimming Championships were held at the sports facilities in Sabadell, Barcelona.

What is the European Junior Championships in Munich?

It is the European junior category competition that will be held in Munich, Germany, where young Spanish swimmers will also seek podium positions.

Who is Diego Mira?

Diego Mira is a swimmer from the Sabadell club who has achieved the European minimum in 400 meter medley with a time of 4:14.91.

Which swimmers have stood out in the 1500 meter freestyle?

Paula Otero, María de Valdés and Ángela Martínez have achieved the European minimum in the 1500 meters freestyle, all three being open water specialists.