When the European Swimming Championships in Belgrade were held in 2024, there were only a few weeks left until the Paris Olympics. The championships therefore did not attract all the biggest stars. That is one reason why Wednesday's European Championship bronze is valued more than the gold from Serbia.
"I know that the competition in Serbia two years ago was not at the same level as here. Even though I enjoyed it then, I feel that this achievement was something I had to fight for more," Junevik told reporters on site in Paris.
Back then it was more like "it's clear I'll have the gold in my hand", but now I feel more like I've earned this. That I've really swum my way to it.
Junevik, who won her fourth European Championship medal overall in long course, also takes the opportunity to pay tribute to teammate Sarah Sjöström, who won her 18th European Championship gold medal in long course.
Where to start? she says, laughing.
It's so fun to have her with us, and the times she does... then she does it with that ease and relaxed swimming. It's going to be so fun to stand at an awards ceremony together now. It's actually incredibly fun.
Roos Vanotterdijk, from Belgium, took silver.
