Get ready for an exciting swim story that will have you on the edge of your seat! A new European Junior Record has been set, and it's a thrilling tale of determination and skill.
At the 2025 Vladimir Salnikov Cup, the second day of competition witnessed an incredible achievement by Mikhail Shcherbakov, a 17-year-old swimming sensation. In the men's 200m IM final, Shcherbakov not only took home the gold but also shattered his own European Junior Record (EJR) with a stunning time of 1:52.21.
But here's where it gets controversial... Shcherbakov's previous EJR, a lifetime best of 1:52.75, was set just last month at the Russian SC Championships. This time, he managed to improve upon his own record, slicing over half a second off his previous effort. The biggest difference? His breaststroke leg, where he showed exceptional speed and technique.
Let's take a closer look at the split times:
| Event | Shcherbakov's New EJR | Shcherbakov's Old EJR |
| ------ | -------------------- | -------------------- |
| Fly | 24.73 | 24.84 |
| Back | 28.40 | 28.07 |
| Breast | 32.55 | 33.21 |
| Free | 26.53 | 26.63 |
And this is the part most people miss: Shcherbakov's improvement wasn't just about shaving off a few hundredths of a second. It was a comprehensive upgrade across all strokes, showcasing his well-rounded swimming ability.
Tonight, Ilya Borodin, a bronze medalist in the 400m IM at the World Championships, settled for silver with a time of 1:54.49. Maxim Stupin completed the podium with a time of 1:55.72.
With his new record, Shcherbakov now ranks 6th in the world this season. An impressive feat for a young swimmer!
Here's a look at the top 6 swimmers in the 2025-2026 SCM Men's 200 IM:
- Leon Marchand (FRA) - 1:49.73
- Hugo Gonzalez De Oliveira (ESP) - 1:51.39
- Tomoyuki Matsushita (JPN) - 1:51.43
- Finlay Knox (CAN) - 1:51.50
- Alberto Razzetti (ITA) - 1:52.05
- Mikhail Shcherbakov (RUS) - 1:52.21
So, what do you think? Is Shcherbakov's record-breaking performance a sign of a future Olympic champion? Or is there another swimmer you think will take the lead? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your insights and engage in a friendly debate about the future of swimming!
