A sensational swim from Ireland’s John Shortt saw the Irish man claim a second World Junior Title, this time in the 200m Backstroke, on the closing day of racing at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Otopeni, Romania.
The 18-year-old, who won gold in the 100m Backstroke and bronze in the 50m Backstroke earlier in the week, dominated the 200m Backstroke Final from start to finish, winning by almost two seconds over his closest competitor in 1:56.19. His time, a new Irish Senior, and Junior Record, breaking the 1:56.61 he swam at the Irish Open in April.
Silver went to 50m Backstroke gold medallist Daniele del Signore of Italy in 1:57.99 with bronze won by the USA’s David Melnychuk in 1:58.13.
A delighted Shortt spoke after the race, “It’s been a long season, but to end it on such a high with a big PB, I couldn’t be happier. Having my family, my coaches, my teammates here, it’s just been amazing, and I’ve loved every bit of it.
“It’s not bad [the time], but you know, as my amazing coach John would say ‘it can always be better’, but I’m very glad to get away with the gold and a new senior record and junior record, I’m pretty proud of that.
“The first 100 I was like ‘this is cool’, ‘this is great’, and the last 50 I was like ‘ow this really hurts, please make it stop’, but then I was at the wall and I finished and I realised I’d won and was like class.”
On the importance of World Junior Championships experience for upcoming mayor senior meets, he added, “I mean, it’s everything, because, once you get to those really big finals, like Worlds or the Olympics, you need to be able to call from these experiences and know that you can perform under pressure. After a really good swim this morning, I knew I’d put myself in a position where I could do something really special tonight, and that’s what happened.”
World Aquatics Junior Championships Head Coach, and coach to John Shortt at National Centre Limerick, John Szaranek summed up the meet and reflected on the success of the centre this Summer saying “As the World Junior Championships come to a conclusion, I am delighted with the performances of John Shortt at this meet. To be able to achieve such fantastic results on a World level at both Senior and Junior level in his final year of school should give all young Irish swimmers the confidence that they can combine swimming at a high level and achieve academically.
National Centre (Limerick) athletes have this season won nine International medals across the European Under 23 Championships, European Junior Championships and World Junior Championships. Coupled with magnificent performances at the World Senior Championships (three semi finals and one final appearance and additional top twenty placings). I am extremely proud of my athletes. The staff have been tremendous this year and I can’t thank Carlo Boni and Jade Murphy enough. I also want to thank Roisin Cahill (Physiotherapy), Gavin Rackard (Nutrition) and Frank Nugent (Strength and Conditioning) for the huge impact they have made this season. The new season is almost upon us and we will strive to continue to make improvements so we can impact at an International level.”
Shortt will arrive home to Dubin Airport at 18.25 on Monday.
Next up for Irish swimmers will be the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships from 21 to 27 September in Singapore with Paralympics Ireland announcing the team on Wednesday.
Results – Day 6 Heats/Final Sunday 24th August
| Men 200m Backstroke | John Shortt | H 1:57.53 (1st) | F 1:56.19 (1st) ISR/IJR |
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