The Olympic Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis was packed to the rafters as the climactic team acrobatic final reached its peak. The artistic swimming competition at the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 came to a dramatic end on Tuesday evening, with a showdown between Europe’s two top teams. Over six days, swimmers from across the continent displayed their best moves, but the final evening was all about the battle between the Neutral Athletes B and Spain, the two leading forces in the sport.
The Neutral Athletes B captured their third gold medal of the Paris 2026 championships with a stunning performance to the song “Weird Dolls.” Their execution was a perfect mix of technical skill and artistic flair, with a Degree of Difficulty of 26.1370. The team earned six perfect 10.0 scores for their acrobatic elements and an additional 10.0 for Performance, giving them a total score of 244.8221. This just narrowly beat Spain’s total, which was 242.2428, by a margin of 2.5793 points, confirming their status as champions.
Spain’s emotional farewell
Spain put on an artistic and emotionally charged performance to Rosalia’s “Berghain,” captivating both the audience and the judges. Their interpretation was powerful and full of emotion, earning nine perfect 10.0 scores, with six from the Artistic Impression panel. This performance marked the final act of veteran swimmer Paula Ramirez, who had been part of the Spanish team for 12 years. Ramirez leaves the sport with an impressive record of 10 European medals, along with two Olympic appearances and a bronze in Paris.
Ramirez’s last routine was celebrated by her teammates with a heartfelt on-stage moment, as they gathered around her after the performance. Her departure from the sport was bittersweet, as she reflected on the six days of intense competition and the pride she felt in their collective efforts. Beyond the medals, she left behind a legacy of inspiration and passion for the sport.
Italy’s theatrical bronze
Italy wrapped up the podium in third place with a bronze medal, once again performing their dynamic “Chicago” routine that had helped them claim the European title last year. Their performance blended energy, charisma, and theatrical flair, resulting in a final score of 219.2545. While the gap to the top two teams was significant, their strong showing ensured their place on the continental podium.
Marta Iacoacci of Italy spoke about the pride her team felt, calling the performance a fitting conclusion to their season. She emphasized that the event would help shape the future of their team and their ambitions. Meanwhile, Spain emerged as the overall winners of the artistic swimming competition.
Championships Trophy crowns Spain
Spain was presented with the European Aquatics Championships Trophy, awarded to the team with the highest total score across all artistic swimming events. By participating in all 11 events and earning medals in eight, Spain showcased their consistent excellence throughout the week. Teammates of Ramirez, including Txell Ferré and Marina Garcia, spoke highly of her impact on the team. They described her as an inspiring leader, whose spontaneity and drive helped push the entire team to higher levels.
Valeriia Plekhanova of the Neutral Athletes B praised the team’s perfect record, crediting their unity and hard work. Her teammate Maiia Doroshko reflected on the months of preparation that led to their success. Both expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing their commitment to achieving even greater heights in the sport.
The event also featured emotional and motivational moments as the competition drew to a close. For Spain, the Championships Trophy was a fitting cap to a successful week, while the Neutral Athletes B celebrated their historic third consecutive gold. Italy’s bronze completed a strong finish for the trio of top teams. The final day was a celebration not only of athletic excellence but also of the journey each team had taken to reach this point.
Paula Ramirez’s retirement was a poignant highlight, as her teammates honored her legacy. Her presence on the team over the years had been a source of motivation and strength. In her final performance, Ramirez and her team showcased their best work, leaving a lasting impression on the sport.
For the Neutral Athletes B, their success was a reflection of their unity and dedication. Their performances across the week demonstrated a mix of technical precision and artistic expression. As they look to the future, the team remains focused on pushing their limits and achieving even greater success.
The overall triumph for Spain was a culmination of their consistent performance across all events. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure was a key factor in their victory. Their journey through the competition was marked by moments of brilliance, which ultimately earned them the top spot in the overall standings.
As the European Aquatics Championships 2026 came to a close, it was a time of celebration for all involved. The competition had showcased the best of artistic swimming, with each team bringing their unique style and energy to the pool. The memories and achievements of the week would remain with the athletes, coaches, and fans for years to come.
The event also served as a reminder of the dedication and passion that drive these athletes. From perfect scores to emotional farewells, the final day left a lasting impression. It was a fitting conclusion to a championship that had been filled with excitement, talent, and unforgettable moments.
