Hill focuses on the positives after eighth-place finish in 50m backstroke final in Paris

BACK TO IT: Danielle Hill of Ireland in the Women’s 50m Backstroke Final at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships, Olympic Aquatic Center, Paris. Pic: INPHO/Andrea Masini

Danielle Hill focused very much on the positives as the Belfast swimmer finished eighth in the women's 50m backstroke final at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris on Thursday night. 

The two-time Olympian was making her return to elite action in the French capital after an injury-ravaged spell which saw her undergo shoulder surgery. Having savoured qualifying for the continental final, the 26-year-old admitted she still had more to improve upon after her eighth-place finish but even being among the best of her peers was a key moment in her recovery. 

"I'm really happy. I'm obviously a little disappointed," said Hill, who won European gold in the event two years ago in Belgrade. "There was a better swim in there. I finished a little bit short, which I've now done six times in a row. But I know there's a better swim in there. In those 50's it has to be perfect and that wasn't. But listen I am happy to be back where I am."

Hill's recovery from her shoulder operation was arduous, having previously described the process as almost like having to learn to swim all over again. Now half-way through the next Olympic cycle, Hill is keen to look forward again.  

"Nine months ago, I couldn't get out of bed. My first physio session, I remember having to sit down after five minutes because I felt nauseous so I have come a long way from there," she added. "Even backstroke wise, it was the last thing that got re-introduced to the programme. I have a really good block coming into the winter and just [have to] get the head down again into LA."

More to come...