Our Ambassadors

John Shortt

SWIMMING

John Shortt is one of Ireland’s most exciting young swimmers. He comes from Oranmore, Co. Galway, went to Gaelscoil de hÍde, and began his swimming journey with Bluefin Swimming Club. Today, he is making waves on the international stage as one of the fastest backstroke swimmers in the world for his age. John specialises in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke. In backstroke, swimmers race on their backs, using strong arms, a powerful kick and great coordination to move through the water as quickly as possible. Staying straight and keeping a steady rhythm are key skills for success.

Quick Facts:

His favourite event is the 200m Backstroke, where he has won World Junior, European Junior and European senior titles.

Before focusing on swimming, John loved playing rugby. He says team sports helped him learn leadership skills and taught him how to work hard with others, lessons that have helped him become a stronger swimmer.

He became only the second Irish swimmer ever to win a World Junior title, joining Olympic medallist Mona McSharry in Irish swimming history.

John's event, backstroke, is unique because swimmers race on their backs and must use the ceiling and lane markings to stay straight down the pool.

Highlights:

  • Won Gold in the 100m Backstroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania with a time of 53.86 seconds.
  • Won Gold in the 200m Backstroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania, setting new Irish senior and junior records with a time of 1:56.19.
  • European Short Course Champion (2025) in the 200m Backstroke, winning gold in Lublin, Poland and setting a new World Junior Record, European Junior Record, and Championship Record.
  • Finalist at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships (Paris), finishing 7th in Europe in the 200m Backstroke after swimming an Irish record and personal best of 1:55.31 in the semi-finals.

Follow:

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John Shortt

SWIMMING

Dare to Believe

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