Defending champion John Shortt secured bronze in the 200m backstroke final to claim Ireland's first medal at the 2025 European Junior Championships in Samorin, Slovakia.
The Limerick teenager, competing in the middle lane, was involved in a thrilling race, going stroke for stroke throughout the four lengths of the pool with Zsombor Racz of Hungary and Italy’s Daniele del Signore.
Shortt, whose primary focus is the World Aquatics Championships later this month, led the race turning into the final length and into the last 50 metres, eventually touching the wall in 1:58.45 with Racz taking gold ahead of del Signore.
It marks a third European junior medal for Shortt.
"I won’t lie, I’m disappointed," he said afterwards. "I wanted to win that, and I didn’t, but that happens, it’s very hard. The first 100m was good, I really smashed off the lane rope in the third 50, kind of lost my balance from there, this is sport, it’s not a constant high."
Grace Davison won her semi-final to advance to the 100m freestyle final as second fastest qualifier.
