Shane Ryan 'shocked' after breaking Irish 50m freestyle record

Ireland's Shane Ryan. Photo by Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Shane Ryan set a new Irish senior record in the 50m Freestyle on the penultimate day of racing at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade.

The 30-year-old touched the wall in 21.82, making him Ireland’s fastest ever swimmer in a long course (50m) pool. The time shaved 0.12 of a second off Tom Fannon’s 21.94 from the Irish Open and Olympic Trials in May, which he equalled just yesterday at the Sette Colli Meet in Rome.

Ryan, who is the fastest qualifier from the heats, will return to the blocks for the semi-final at 5:58pm (IRL).

“I’m shocked, my goal was to go 21.89. That is my first 50 freestyle in two years, I’m delighted. I had shoulder surgery about two and a half years ago, so I’m delighted with that time. I honestly don’t know what to say, it’s wild.” 

The spectators in Belgrade barely had time to draw breath before the next heat, which featured Irishman Calum Bain. After a slight suit malfunction, Bain was in and out of the pool in 22.11 to finish first in his heat and fifth overall in 22.11. Bain will join his National Centre (Dublin) teammate this evening for the semi-final.

“I feel pretty good, annoyed my suit ripped on the block but I had to get past that and move on," said Bain.

"It was a pretty good morning swim; I think it’s my quickest ever morning swim. I’ve got to go back, chill out and see what I can do tonight.” 

𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗

Shane Ryan with a lightning 𝟮𝟭.𝟴𝟮 to set a new ISR in the 50 Free ⚡

Ryan becomes Ireland's fastest swimmer in a long course pool! pic.twitter.com/ytKkbX00ze

— Swim Ireland (@swimireland) June 22, 2024

Oisin Tebite closed out his week in the same event with 23.58 (66), his first senior long course international.

After his sixth-place finish on Friday night in the 50m backstroke, Conor Ferguson was back in the pool for the 100m backstroke heats. Ferguson secured another semi-final place with a sixth-place finish in a time of 54.74.

“I was surprised with sixth place with that time, I didn’t put a lot of mental energy into that swim, so I’m happy enough," said Ferguson.

"It’s always tough going three swims then up to the 100 (backstroke), so I’ll get some recovery in and get on it tonight.” 

Niamh Coyne finished off a busy 2024 European Championships with 32.52 (33) in the 50m breaststroke heat.

There is a busy evening ahead for Ireland as Danielle Hill will look to add to her European gold in the 100m backstroke final. Joining Hill will be Lottie Cullen, swimming her first individual senior final. 

Nathan Wiffen (1500m freestyle) and Ellie McCartney (200m medley) are back on the blocks for their finals, both in their second outing on the European final stage at this meet.