#205 John Shortt // Becoming a world champion and receiving leaving cert results on the day  episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 7, 2026 · 57 MIN

#205 John Shortt // Becoming a world champion and receiving leaving cert results on the day

from The Sideline Live Podcast · host The Sideline Live

On episode 205 I am delighted to be joined by Junior World Swimming Champion John Shortt. Originally from Galway his first sport was rugby however he realised as a teenager his real potential lay in Swimming. He spent TY commuting to UL to the National Swimming programme and decided to move to Limerick in 5th year to be closer to his training facility. John made history this summer with a breakthrough performances at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke and bronze in the 50m backstroke — becoming only the second Irish swimmer ever to win a World Junior title. On the day of a gold medal victory he also received his leaving cert results. 2025 turned out to be one of the best seasons we have seen in Irish swimming as he finished with 24 records to his name! John is on track to become one of Ireland's top senior athletes and is a remarkable young man outside of the pool. We discussed his career to date, moving to Limerick as a teenager, looking for 1%, video analysis, how he managed his leaving cert results and a world final in the same day & more. Please note this episode was recorded in late October prior to the RTÉ Sport Awards and the European Short course championships where John won his first senior medal. Thanks to our sponsor Taranis Recovery. Use the discount code SIDELINE15 for 15% off your purchase on taranisrecovery.com . An Irish-owned brand focused on helping athletes recover smarter, Rise higher and Live stronger. Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLiveRecorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 205 I am delighted to be joined by Junior World Swimming Champion John Shortt. Originally from Galway his first sport was rugby however he realised as a teenager his real potential lay in Swimming. He spent TY commuting to UL to the National Swimming programme and decided to move to Limerick in 5th year to be closer to his training facility. John made history this summer with a breakthrough performances at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke and bronze in the 50m backstroke — becoming only the second Irish swimmer ever to win a World Junior title. On the day of a gold medal victory he also received his leaving cert results. 2025 turned out to be one of the best seasons we have seen in Irish swimming as he finished with 24 records to his name! John is on track to become one of Ireland's top senior athletes and is a remarkable young man outside of the pool. We discussed his career to date, moving to Limerick as a teenager, looking for 1%, video analysis, how he managed his leaving cert results and a world final in the same day & more. Please note this episode was recorded in late October prior to the RTÉ Sport Awards and the European Short course championships where John won his first senior medal. Thanks to our sponsor Taranis Recovery. Use the discount code SIDELINE15 for 15% off your purchase on taranisrecovery.com . An Irish-owned brand focused on helping athletes recover smarter, Rise higher and Live stronger. Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLiveRecorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

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#205 John Shortt // Becoming a world champion and receiving leaving cert results on the day

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This episode was published on January 7, 2026.

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On episode 205 I am delighted to be joined by Junior World Swimming Champion John Shortt. Originally from Galway his first sport was rugby however he realised as a teenager his real potential lay in Swimming. He spent TY commuting to UL to the...

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