“I’ve Dreamed of this as a Lad” – Hanley Shines in Slovakia

Three Irish swimmers were in action on Wednesday morning, the second day of the 2025 European Aquatics Swimming Championships in Samorin, Slovakia. 

Phelim Hanley delivered the standout performance of the morning. Racing in the 200m Individual Medley, the Cork native smashed his lifetime best by over four seconds to win his heat in 2:07.07 – marking it another big personal best for the second consecutive day after he knocked three seconds off his 200m Butterfly best on Tuesday. 

Making his international debut for Ireland, the Blackrock swimmer spoke after the race: “I’m really happy. I’ve been trying to get faster for a really long time, and I’ve been working on the breaststroke leg in this event for a while, so I’m glad it paid off.” 

Speaking about representing Ireland, he added: “It feels crazy. I dreamed of this when I was a lad – I know that’s a cliché, but I did. I’ve always wanted to wear the green jacket, and it’s really cool to be able to do that.” 

Paris Olympian Grace Davison was back in the water this morning following her semi-final appearance in the 200m Freestyle on Tuesday, where she achieved the consideration time for the World Junior Championships in August. Today, the Ards swimmer competed in the 50m Freestyle heats, clocking a time of 26.12. That result places her as the second reserve for the next round.  

Lucy O’Brien of the National Centre (Limerick) was the third Irish swimmer in action this morning, making her debut appearance for Ireland in the 100m Butterfly. O’Brien swam a time of 1:02.87, just outside her lifetime best. 

John Shortt will head to the blocks later this evening to compete in the 50m Backstroke Final, set to get underway at 17.19 (Irish time).                                                                                   

European Aquatics Junior Championships Day 2 Heats Results 

 

Women 100m Butterfly                             Lucy O’Brien 1:02.87 

Men 200m IM                                                           Phelim Hanley 2:07.07  

Women 50m Freestyle                              Grace Davison 26.12

 

European Aquatics Junior Championships Day 2 Finals Schedule 

Men 50m Backstroke Final                      John Shortt 17:19 (IRL) 

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