Olympic Swimmer Lea Polonsky Aims to Break Records at European Championships Ahead of LA 2028

Israeli Olympic swimmer Lea Polonsky has begun competing at the 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris, exactly two years after the 2024 Olympic Games. Polonsky, who won a silver medal in Belgrade in 2024, is using this championship as a key step in her campaign toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She expressed excitement about the competition and her goal to improve on her previous Olympic performance, particularly in the 200-meter individual medley, where she felt she underperformed.

Polonsky swam in the 100-meter freestyle heats and plans to compete in the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter butterfly, and 200-meter individual medley events. She highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Israeli team, which trained together for three weeks at a high-altitude camp in Italy, fostering strong team unity and camaraderie.

Reflecting on her return to Paris, Polonsky described it as a "closing of a circle," aiming to redeem her Olympic experience with a stronger showing. She is focused on breaking personal and national records, advancing through the competition rounds, and potentially winning medals. Polonsky also emphasized her desire to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard early to reduce pressure and continue improving her form leading up to the LA Games.