Shane Ryan stole the headlines on Saturday morning with a new Irish Senior Record in the 50m Freestyle on the penultimate day of racing at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade.
Ryan was the first swimmer on the blocks this morning, the 30-year-old blazing through the pool stopped the clock on 21.82, making him Ireland’s fastest ever swimmer in a long course (50m) pool. The time shaved .12 of a second off Tom Fannon’s 21.94 from the Irish Open and Olympic Trials in May, which he equalled just yesterday at the Sette Colli Meet in Rome.
Ryan, who is the fastest qualifier from the heats, will return to the blocks for the semi-final at 5:58pm (IRL).
Speaking after his stunning performance, the National Centre (Dublin) swimmer said: “I’m shocked, my goal was to go 21.89. That is my first 50 Freestyle in two years, I’m delighted. I had shoulder surgery about two and a half years ago, so I’m delighted with that time. I honestly don’t know what to say, it’s wild.”
The spectators in Belgrade barely had time to draw breath before the next heat, which featured Irishman Calum Bain. After a slight suit malfunction, Bain was in and out of the pool in 22.11 to finish first in his heat and fifth overall in 22.11. Bain will join his National Centre (Dublin) teammate this evening for the semi-final.
Speaking after the event, Bain said: “I feel pretty good, annoyed my suit ripped on the block but I had to get past that and move on. It was a pretty good morning swim; I think it’s my quickest ever morning swim. I’ve got to go back, chill out and see what I can do tonight.”
Oisin Tebite closed out his week in the same event with 23.58 (66), his first senior long course international.
After his sixth-place finish on Friday night in the 50m Backstroke Conor Ferguson was back in the pool for the 100m Backstroke heats. Ferguson secured another semi-final place with a sixth-place finish in a time of 54.74.
Speaking in the mixed zone, Ferguson said: “I was surprised with sixth place with that time, I didn’t put a lot of mental energy into that swim, so I’m happy enough. It’s always tough going three swims then up to the 100 (Backstroke), so I’ll get some recovery in and get on it tonight.”
Niamh Coyne finished off a busy 2024 European Championships with 32.52 (33) in the 50m Breaststroke heat.
There is a busy evening ahead for Ireland as Danielle Hill will look to add to her European gold in the 100m Backstroke Final. Joining Hill will be Lottie Cullen, swimming her first individual senior final. Nathan Wiffen (1500m Freestyle) and Ellie McCartney (200m Medley) are back on the blocks for their finals, both in their second outing onto the European final stage at this meet. Shane Ryan, Calum Bain (50 Freestyle), and Conor Ferguson (100 Backstroke) will all look to secure final places in their events.
Day 6 Morning Results – European Aquatics Championships
Men 50 Freestyle
Shane Ryan – 21.82 (1) Q, ISR
Calum Bain – 22.11 (5) Q
Oisin Tebite – 23.58 (66)
Men 100 Backstroke
Conor Ferguson – 54.74 (6) Q
Women 50 Breaststroke
Niamh Coyne – 32.52 (33)
Day 6 Evening Schedule – European Aquatics Championships
Women 200 Medley Final Ellie McCartney (5:47pm)
Men 50 Freestyle Semi-Final Shane Ryan, Calum Bain (5:58pm)
Women 100 Backstroke Final Danielle Hill, Lottie Cullen (6:16pm)
Men 1500 Freestyle Final Nathan Wiffen (6:22pm)
Men 100 Backstroke Semi-Final Conor Ferguson (7:22pm)
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