John Shortt (swimmer)

Last updated
John Shortt
Personal information
NationalityFlag of Ireland.svg  Ireland
Born (2007-03-15) March 15, 2007 (age 18)
Galway, Ireland
Sport
Sport Swimming
StrokesBackstroke
ClubNational Centre Limerick
CoachJohn Szaranek
Medal record
Representing Ireland
World Junior Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2025 Otopeni 100 m backstroke
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2025 Otopeni200 m backstroke
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg2025 Otopeni50 m backstroke
European Junior Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2024 Vilnius 200 m backstroke
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2025 Samorin 100 m backstroke
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2024 Vilnius100 m backstroke
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2025 Samorin200 m backstroke

John Shortt (born 15 March 2007) is an Irish competitive swimmer specializing in backstroke. He is a double gold medalist at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships and holds multiple Irish national records [1] [2] .

Contents

Career

Shortt began swimming with Bluefin Swimming Club in Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, before joining the National Centre Limerick [3] . He first gained international recognition at the 2024 European Junior Swimming Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he won gold in the 200 m backstroke (1:57.68) and silver in the 100 m backstroke (54.74).

In 2025, Shortt competed at the senior World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, finishing 15th in the 200 m backstroke (1:57.30) and 26th in the 100 m backstroke (54.26).

At the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania, Shortt had a breakout performance, winning the 100 metre/200 metre backstroke double, along with the bronze medal in the 50 metre backstroke. [4] [5] [6] :

He became only the second Irish swimmer to win a World Junior title, following Mona McSharry in 2017.

Personal bests

Long course (50 m pool)
EventTimeDateLocation
50 m backstroke25.0622 August 2025Otopeni, Romania
100 m backstroke53.8620 August 2025Otopeni, Romania
200 m backstroke1:56.1924 August 2025Otopeni, Romania

Personal life

Shortt was born in Galway and attended Calasanctius College. He trains under coach John Szaranek at the National Centre Limerick. He has spoken about the importance of racing experience and mental preparation for major meets.

References

  1. "Shortt strikes gold in 100m backstroke at World Juniors". RTÉ Sport. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  2. "18-Year-Old John Shortt Fires Off 1:56.19 200 Backstroke Irish Record". SwimSwam. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  3. "John Shortt – World Aquatics Profile". World Aquatics. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  4. "Shortt is crowned World Junior 100m backstroke champion in Romania". Connacht Tribune. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  5. "John Shortt wins 50m Backstroke bronze at World Championships". The42.ie. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  6. "'So much pride getting up on the podium' – John Shortt celebrates winning World gold". MSN News. Retrieved 24 August 2025.