Galway 17-year-old John Shortt through to European final, Shane Ryan breaks Irish record

Ireland's John Shortt. Picture: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Shane Ryan broke his own Irish 100m freestyle record as he qualified for the final at the European Aquatics Championships in Serbia.

Ryan touched the wall in 48.39, taking 0.1 off his previous best, as he finished in a three-way tie for third in his heat. The 30-year-old qualified joint fifth overall for Wednesday's final.

17-year-old John Shortt has qualified for the final of the 200m backstroke. The Galway native swam 1:58.89 to finish eighth overall in the heats.

“I thought I executed it well," said Shortt, who will compete in his first senior international final, "it just wasn’t as fast as I thought it was going to be. It was always going to be tough coming out here racing outdoors for the first time, but it’s frustrating.

“Two years ago, I didn’t expect to be anywhere near this level, at least not for a few years. The progress has been massive.”

Nathan Wiffen, twin brother of world champion Daniel, finished second in his 800m freestyle heat. His 7:54.60 swim was a personal best and enough to qualify sixth overall for the final.

“I’m feeling very good, not going to lie it was tough with the heat coming out because the last call room is outside so everyone is trying to find the shade," said Wiffen. 

"I’m pretty happy with that, I got a personal best and into the final. The first aim is to make the final, and as they say if you’ve got a lane, you’ve got a chance, so hopefully a medal.”

Longford native Darragh Greene finished seventh in the final of the 100m breaststroke on Tuesday while diver Clare Cryan placed 11th in the 1m springboard final. The Irish 4x100m mixed medley relay of Lottie Cullen, Eoin Corby, Max McCusker and Ellie McCartney finished sixth in their final. 

"It’s my first individual final on the European stage and to go back after (Irish) trials just three weeks later, I’m pretty happy with it," said Greene. It’s indescribable when you get a chance to represent your country, it’s the main reason why we do it."