Ireland’s Mona McSharry delivered a standout performance on day two of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, clocking her fastest time of the year in the women’s 100m breaststroke.
McSharry touched the wall in 1:05.99 to win her heat and claim the top seed for Monday’s semi-finals.
The Olympic bronze medallist from Sligo was the only competitor to break the 66-second barrier in the heats, finishing ahead of Germany’s Anna Elendt, who posted 1:06.01.
The result marked McSharry’s sixth-fastest swim of her career in the event and underlined her medal credentials heading into the next round.
Reflecting on her race, McSharry acknowledged the early challenge of settling into competition mode. “I’m definitely feeling good. That race kind of hurt, but I think it’s about getting the first one out of the way,” she said.
“There was a moment I thought I might not make the semi, but I just told myself to go. I’m excited to see that it was another close finish—and again on my side.”
McSharry also spoke about managing expectations as a returning Olympic medallist. “The hardest part is not putting pressure on myself to always be on the podium. I’ve done that before and it doesn’t help,” she explained. “This time I’m focusing on enjoying the racing and pushing to the finish.”
In other Irish highlights, Evan Bailey made an impressive World Championships debut by equalling the Irish record in the 200m freestyle. The National Centre Limerick swimmer clocked 1:46.66, matching Jack McMillan’s national best and advancing to the semi-finals.
Bailey, from New Ross, achieved the milestone after entering the competition with a previous personal best of 1:47.04.
Finishing seventh in his heat and 15th overall, Bailey was clearly buoyant after the swim. “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been an up-and-down season, but training has been going great. I’ve been waiting for that one swim to click—and it happened today,” he said.
“The support from my teammates and coaches has been incredible. Our training group is amazing and we really push each other.”
Elsewhere, Danielle Hill began her campaign in the women’s 100m backstroke, finishing fifth in her heat with a time of 1:00.79.
The Larne swimmer placed 18th overall, just outside the top 16 needed to advance to the semi-finals.
In the men’s 100m backstroke, John Shortt posted a time of 54.26, placing ninth in his heat and missing out on a semi-final spot.
Despite the result, it was a valuable experience for Shortt at the elite international level.
Ireland’s swimmers will return to the pool later today as the semi-final and final stages continue in Singapore.
