John Shortt Shatters World Junior Record, Wins European Gold

John Shortt made headlines on March 6, 2024, by winning the gold medal in the 200m backstroke at the European Short-Course Championships in Lublin, Poland. In a remarkable display of talent, the young swimmer not only clinched the title but also set a new world junior record with a time of 1 minute 47.89 seconds.

The 18-year-old from Roscam has emerged as a prominent figure in Irish swimming, previously excelling in junior competitions. This victory marks his first senior international medal and solidifies his status as a contender on the world stage. Shortt’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he broke the national record twice during the championship, first in the heats and then in the final.

Record-Breaking Performance

Shortt began his journey in the 200m event by winning his heat on March 5 with a time of 1 minute 50.65 seconds, surpassing the previous Irish senior and junior record of 1 minute 51.37 seconds, which he had set just a week earlier. He advanced to the semi-finals as the fourth fastest overall, but his best was yet to come.

Later that evening, Shortt posted an impressive time of 1 minute 48.84 seconds, becoming the only swimmer in the semi-finals to finish under 1 minute 49 seconds. This performance secured him the top seed for the final, setting the stage for a historic showdown.

In the final, Shortt executed his race strategy flawlessly, following French swimmer Mewen Tomac closely for the first six lengths. At the 150m mark, he made his decisive move, finishing 0.73 seconds ahead of Tomac and breaking the previous world junior record held by Russia’s Kliment Kolesnikov since 2017.

“I’m just really proud,” Shortt said after his victory. “I felt unbeatable and now it’s just pride, it’s just washing over me.”

Looking Ahead

After celebrating his victory, Shortt expressed his emotional connection to the Irish national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, which played during the medal ceremony. “I’m proud to be standing there as an Irishman with a gold medal around my neck,” he remarked.

Shortt’s focus quickly shifted to the upcoming 100m backstroke event, which he participated in the following day. He finished second in his heat with a time of 50.84 seconds, just shy of the Irish junior record. This performance ensured his advancement to the semi-finals.

Reflecting on his busy schedule, Shortt acknowledged the importance of maintaining composure and focus. “It’s about getting back into it and coming down off that really big high,” he said, emphasizing the support from his team as he prepared for the challenges ahead.

The final of the 100m backstroke is scheduled for March 8, 2024, at 18:00 Irish time, where Shortt aims to continue his impressive run at the championships.

John Shortt’s achievements in Lublin not only highlight his potential but also signify a bright future for Irish swimming on the international stage.