The Daily Star Ireland
Galway teenager John Shortt set a new Irish record on the final day of the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
Shortt, along with two other Irish swimmers, competed in the last day of the short-course swimming event. He achieved a new national record of 1:51.60 in the men’s 200m backstroke, improving by a full second from his previous personal best set just a month ago. The 17-year-old finished second in his heat, ranking 12th overall, but only the top eight swimmers advanced to the final.
Shortt expressed his satisfaction after the race, noting the improvement in his performance. He shared with Swim Ireland that he was thrilled to secure two personal bests during the championships, especially after disappointing swims in previous World Championships. Being ranked 12th globally was a highlight for him.
Meanwhile, Belfast swimmer Lottie Cullen had an impressive performance in the women’s 200m backstroke, slashing five seconds off her previous best. She finished with a time of 2:05.57, placing 13th overall and securing her spot as Ireland’s second-fastest swimmer in the event, just behind Melanie Nocher.
New Ross swimmer Evan Bailey also posted a personal best in the men’s 200m freestyle, recording a time of 1:43.61. He finished fifth in his heat and 18th overall.
Team Ireland left Budapest with one medal, a bronze from Shane Ryan in the 50m backstroke, and set 15 new Irish records. Eight of those records were set by Ellen Walshe, who reached the finals in the 100m butterfly and the 400m medley.
Swim Ireland’s National Performance Director, Jon Rudd, reflected on the championships, calling it an “exceptional week” for the Irish team, particularly given the absence of Olympic medallists Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry. He praised the team for their outstanding performances across 11 sessions, highlighting Ryan’s bronze medal and Walshe’s remarkable achievement of breaking eight Irish senior records. Rudd emphasized that, despite concerns about the absence of top Olympians, the team delivered impressive results.
