Hamilton Stars with Double Semi-Final Qualification; Shortt Top Seed for Backstroke Semi-Final

There was a bumper schedule for Team Ireland on day three of the 2025 European Aquatics Junior Championships with ten swimmers in the water. John Shortt and Matthew Hamilton impressed, both advancing through the rounds in their events.  

Following last night’s final appearance in the 50m Backstroke, defending 200m Backstroke Champion John Shortt was back in the pool for his main event.  The 18-year-old took the lead early in the race, setting the pace for the field. The National Centre (Limerick) swimmer maintained the position to secure top seed in a time of 1:59.41. 

Shortt said: “It was just a case off getting in and blowing off the cobwebs. I haven’t swum the 200 Backstroke since the Irish Open, it was good, I’m happy with that. It’s now just about keeping out of the sun; it takes it out of you. Ahead of later, I’ll rest, watch some Brooklyn 99 and a bit of Dexter, that’s the plan anyway.” 

The Men’s 100m Butterfly was busy one for Ireland with four swimmers in action. Matthew Hamilton was the standout performer, storming through the water in 53.82 to set a new lifetime best and secure a semi-final place in eighth overall.  

Hamilton was back on the blocks shortly after, this time for the 50m Freestyle, clocking an impressive 22.95 to finish third in his heat and thirteenth overall, securing another semi-final place this evening.  

Speaking after the race, Hamilton said: “It’s brilliant, it’s great to make it back, that’s the goal; its mission accomplished, for now. It’s about focusing on recovery and getting back in the game tonight.” 

Reuben Alty zipped up the green jacket for the first time this morning, making his Ireland debut in the 50m Freestyle, the 17-year-old clocking a time of 23.83.   

Another Irish swimmer continuing to impress this week is 16-year-old Blackrock man Phelim Hanley. Having already set new personal bests in the 200m Butterfly and 200m IM on his Ireland debut, Hanely returned to the blocks for the 100m Butterfly, touching the wall in another best time of 56.07.  

Hanely said: “I was nervous, the 100m Butterfly isn’t my best event, all the training paid off, I’ve been going hard and focusing on all of these events the last few months. My coach and I have been going pretty hard, I’m glad to see it paying off.” 

Touching on his performances the last few days, he added: “The competition here is so good, just mentally when you are at one of these events you swim faster, you believe in yourself that bit more because you are on the European stage.”  

Thomas Bugler, swimming in the same heat as fellow Cork man Hanley, clocked 56.90, while Sean Donnellan touched in 56.70. 

Speaking after the race, Donnellan said: “I’m a little bit disappointed with the time, I thought I executed it pretty well, I felt like I would have been faster with how it felt. The team atmosphere it really good, it’s a supportive team and the venue is nice.” 

Niamh Connery was back in action this morning to compete in the 200m Breaststroke, the Galway native was agonisingly close to a semi-final berth missing out on the final place by just two tenths of a second in 2:33.46. 

Connery spoke following the race: “I thought I’d be a bit faster than that, so not the best but you never know, I might get a spot later. It’s really nice to be here and the team is good, but I am a little bit disappointed with this morning, we will keep getting better though.” 

Another Ireland debutant this week is Adeline Cloutier, following the 50m Backstroke on the opening day, Cloutier was back in the pool for the 200m Backstroke heat, clocking 2:23.20.  

Speaking after her race, Cloutier said: “It was rough, the meet started a couple of days ago, so it’s just working into swimming outside again with this sun. Overall, the coaches here are amazing, they are great at adapting for each swimmer, it’s been great. It’s been an amazing experience, I’m super grateful and appreciative to be there.” 

Adam Bradley was the final Irish swimmer in action on Thursday morning, the Bangor man went 2:22.61 in the 200m Breaststroke.   

European Aquatics Junior Championships Day 3 Heats Results  

Women 200m Backstroke              Adeline Cloutier 2:23.20 

Men 100m Butterfly                        Matthew Hamilton 53.82, 8th SF, Sean Donnellan 56.70, Thomas Bugler 56.90, Phelim Hanley 56.07 PB 

Men 200m Backstroke                    John Shortt 1:59.41, 1st SF 

Women 200m Breaststroke            Niamh Connery 2:33.46, 1st Reserve 

Men 50m Freestyle                         Rueben Alty 23.83, Matthew Hamilton 22.95, 13th SF 

Men 200m Breaststroke                Adam Bradley 2:22.61 

European Aquatics Junior Championships Day 3 Finals 

Men 50m Freestyle SF                   Matthew Hamilton 5:22pm (IRL) 

Men 200m Backstroke SF              John Shortt 6:03pm (IRL) 

Men 100m Butterfly SF                  Matthew Hamilton 6:19pm (IRL) 

 

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