Martine Damborg, who turned 19 on May 7, finished 2025 by becoming Denmark’s first gold medallist at the European Aquatics Short Course Championships since 2013 as she won the 50m and 100m butterfly titles in Lublin.
Earlier in a year where she set four European junior records she had earned 50m and 100m butterfly gold at the EA Junior Swimming Championships in Samorin and world junior 50m butterfly bronze at Otopeni.
Two years after competing in the women’s 4x100m freestyle and medley relays at the Paris 2024 Games Damborg – who has also had to sit exams this year – will return to the French capital as an individual medal contender…
Last year you won European junior titles at 50m and 100m butterfly and then earned gold in the same disciplines at the EA Short Course Championships. How hard was it to make this transition from junior to senior medal winner in the space of a few months?
The transition happened quite quickly, so it has definitely been a big step. I think the most challenging part has been mental – suddenly you are racing against athletes you have looked up to for years and expectations are different.
Physically I felt well prepared thanks to my coaches, but adapting to the higher level of competition and learning to trust myself in that environment has been the biggest challenge.
Who has most helped you in this process?
My coaches and my team have been very important, supporting me and guiding me through the transition both mentally and physically. My family and friends have also played a big role by supporting me and keeping things grounded outside the pool.
How much of a fuss was there in Denmark about your senior success in Lublin?
There was definitely some attention! And it is also really great to see swimming getting more attention in Denmark because it helps grow the sport and inspire more young swimmers.
What are your ambitions now for Paris 2026 – and beyond?
For Paris 2026 my goal is to perform at my best and continue developing as a senior swimmer. I want to gain more experience at this level and be competitive in my events.
Long-term my ambition is to consistently compete at the highest international level and keep improving both my times and my results.
How proud are you to be a standard bearer for Danish swimming?
It means a lot to me. Denmark has a strong swimming tradition, and it’s an honour to be part of that and represent my country. I hope I can contribute positively and inspire others as well.
Will you be able to have friends/family watching you in Paris?
My parents will be there! It always means a lot to have support in the stands and it gives me extra motivation.
Have you have already visited Paris? Are there any particular places/sights you have enjoyed, and do you plan to see any in particular this summer?
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Paris when I was at the Games. If I get the chance this summer I would love to see where the Olympic Village was in 2024 and experience how it is now compared to during the Olympics.
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
