Get ready for an exciting tale of swimming prowess! John Shortt, the Irish swimming sensation, has just turned 50.10 into an iconic moment at the European Short Course Championships. This young gun, guided by the experienced John Szaranek, has made waves with his performance in the men's 100m backstroke. Despite not claiming a podium finish, Shortt's time of 50.10 seconds not only secured him a well-deserved seventh place but also etched his name into the Irish record books.
At just 18 years old, Shortt's lifetime best was previously 50.78, set at the Munster Short Course Championships. But in Lublin, Poland, he broke his own record and that of his predecessor, Shane Ryan, who held the former mark of 50.17. Shortt's semifinal time of 24.48 and final time of 25.68 showcase his strategic racing skills.
This achievement places Shortt as the 15th fastest swimmer in the world for the 2025-2026 season in the SCM Men 100 BACK category. But here's where it gets controversial: Shortt's personal best in the SCM pool is an impressive 23.70, which, if entered, would have seeded him much higher at 19th.
And this is the part most people miss: Shortt's performance at the European Short Course Championships is just one chapter in his remarkable journey. Earlier this week, he made headlines by winning gold in the 200 back and setting a new World Junior Record of 1:47.89. This also established new Irish, European Junior, and Championship Records.
Shortt's breakout moment came at the World Junior Championships in August, where he took gold in the 200 back and set a new Irish Record of 1:56.19. He also claimed gold in the 100 back and bronze in the 50 back.
But Shortt's success isn't limited to junior competitions. At the senior World Championships, he finished 26th in the 100 back and 15th in the 200 back. He even contributed to Ireland's impressive 14th place in the 4x200 free relay and 21st in the 4x100 medley relay.
Shortt's consistency on the European junior scene is remarkable. He's won gold and silver in the 200 and 100 back, respectively, at the European Junior Championships. And just this year, he upgraded to gold in the 100 back at the 2025 edition, showcasing his continuous growth and dedication to the sport.
So, what do you think? Is Shortt's performance at the European Short Course Championships a testament to his potential or just a flash in the pan? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the future of this promising young swimmer!
