The 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris are underway, and the excitement is already building. With a focus on the men's 100 fly and women's 200 free, this article delves into the key players and their potential impact on the meet. Maxime Grousset and Egor Kornev are the favorites in the men's 100 fly, with Grousset's recent injury recovery and Kornev's 50 fly win adding to the anticipation. The women's 200 free heats feature top seeds Freya Colbert, Marrit Steenbergen, and Barbara Seemanova, with Steenbergen's recent World Record-breaking performance in the 100 free adding to the intrigue. The women's 50 back and men's 200 breast also promise exciting matchups, with top-ranked swimmers vying for gold. The women's 4x100 free relay heats are expected to be intense, with the Dutch team, featuring World Record holder Steenbergen, favored to win. This meet is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of talent and competition, with the potential for new records and surprises at every turn. As we near the halfway point, the excitement is palpable, and the championship records, European records, and national records already set are a testament to the exceptional performances on display.