Galway's John Shortt claims sensational gold at world juniors

The teenager swam a superb second length to win gold in the 100m backstroke. 

John Shortt, who was already the European junior champion for the 100m backstroke, is also now world champion. Pic: ©INPHO/Andrea Staccioli

John Shortt claimed gold for Ireland in the 100m backstroke at the World Junior Aquatics Championships in Romania on Wednesday evening. 

The 18-year-old swam a sensational second 50m to top the podium. Shortt, who is from Galway, made the turn in third and then powered into the lead, finishing in 53.86. The time was just slightly slower than the new Irish junior record of 53.80 which he had set in the semi-final on Tuesday. 

"It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done and I'm really happy with just being a world champion now," Shortt said immediately after his win.

"It feels pretty good, just so much pride at the minute, getting up there, singing my national anthem, on a World stage now, not just a European stage, I’m just so proud to be Irish and proud to be here.

"It’s been a long season, but to end it like that, it’s just so cool. The meets not finished, but I’m just saying, the last one hundred Back of the season, we’ve ended on a positive note so, I’m very happy with that.

"The race went really well, I was just holding on for dear life towards the end, but we got the hand on the wall first and that’s really all that matters. The strategy, that my amazing coach (John Szaranek) put in to place was we had to be out with the guys, because they were out so much quicker than me last night and you know they were beating me to the first 50m, so you know as long as I went with them, I knew I had a chance to come back quicker than they did and that’s exactly what happened, so all part of my brilliant coaches strategy!"

He finished ahead of second-placed Georgii Iakovlev (53.94), who was swimming under a neutral flag, and American Gavin Keogh (54.06) who was third. 

Shortt is the only Irish competitor at the championships. He will also go in the 50m and 200m backstroke events.

The roar belongs to John Shortt!⁰⁰He takes gold in the Men’s 100m Backstroke after a thrilling finish 🥇💥#Swimming pic.twitter.com/28zepgeZG2

— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) August 20, 2025