Jack Kelly’s scintillating first day representing Ireland ended with two record-breaking swims to qualify for the 100m breaststroke final at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
Kelly will be a serious medal contender in his first senior international meet after finishing second in Monday evening’s first semi-final in 58.90, improving the Irish record of 59.27 he set in Monday morning’s heats.
The Yonkers-born swimmer, who qualifies for Ireland through his mother Claire, was second at the 50m-mark before powering into the lead in the closing stages only for reigning Olympic champion Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy to touch first in 58.67.
But the 23-year-old’s time was second-fastest overall, with Britain’s Adam Peaty winning the second semi-final in 58.94.
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Kelly, a two-time Ivy League 100m breaststroke champion is reaping the rewards of working with Bob Bowman, former coach of US swimmer Michael Phelps, and a group of elite swimmers at the University of Texas in Austin.
“Tonight was really fun,” said Kelly after qualifying for Tuesday’s final (5.48pm Irish time). “(It’s) the first time to get under 59, so it’s always been a dream of mine and I’m absolutely amazed and I’m really happy with the swim.
“I got to take it out and I like taking it out. I’ve done the training to be able to do that and now I get to reap the rewards. I’m hoping to do my best in the final, and medalling would be amazing, and a great way to start the meet.
He added: “I could absolutely hear the (Irish) support. They were very supportive and very close. I couldn’t wish for better team-mates cheering me on. We’ll see what I’ve got (in the final). I’m really happy.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to take it out and go full throttle, that’s my thing in the 100, and see what I got.”
Lottie Cullen was also in semi-final action on Monday evening, having progressed through the morning’s heats of the 200m backstroke. The Belfast swimmer, shaved six tenths off her earlier time to clock 2:12.22 in the second semi-final, finishing 12th overall to miss out on a place in the final.
“I’m super happy with that,” said Cullen. “I’ve had some tough weeks of racing, I’ve been just sitting around that 2:12, so just to get that small PB (personal best), I’m really happy.
“I’ve been working on the back end, that last wall is really my strength, so I’ve been working a lot on that last turn.”
Cullen, who also competed at the recent Commonwealth Games, added: “I’m looking forward to the 100, that’s my main event, and then the 50, just for a bit of fun.”
In the morning session, Daniel Wiffen’s first appearance for Ireland in a relay event – joining Evan Bailey, John Shortt and Cormac Rynn in the men’s 4x200m freestyle – ended in disappointment as they sixth in their heat in 7:12.99, outside qualification for the evening’s final.
The Olympic champion was left with it all to do on the anchor leg, swimming into sixth place with 6.57 seconds to make up on the leaders. Wiffen begins his individual campaign in the 800m freestyle heats on Tuesday morning.
Liam Custer opened the Monday morning session for Ireland by winning his heat in the 400m individual medley in 4:22.57. Despite setting a new Irish record, it was not enough to progress to the semi-finals.
On her senior international debut, Rosaline Phelan also won her heat in the 100m freestyle in a personal best of 55.69. However, there was no Irish progression in the event as Phelan, along with Victoria Catterson, Danielle Farrell and Grace Davison, all missed out on a semi-final spot.
And Matthew Hamilton finished 10th in the heats of the 50m butterfly in 24.50 for an overall 64th overall.
