Ilya Shymanovich equalled Cameron van der Burgh‘s 50 breaststroke world record when he went 25.25 at the European Short-Course Championships in Kazan.
Nicolo Martinenghi had gone within 0.12 of Van der Burgh’s global standard in the semis in 25.37.
It was the Belarus swimmer who stopped the clock first to tie the South African’s WR set in November 2009.
l-r: Emre Sakci, Ilya Shymanovich, Nicolo Martinenghi: Photo Courtesy: Deepbluemedia/Giorgio Scala
It was his second gold medal of the meet following the 200 title on Saturday and meant he left the Aquatics Palace with three after also taking silver over 100m.
Shymanovich then went on to split 24.72 as Belarus came fifth in the mixed 4×50 medley relay.
Emre Sakci was second in 25.39 and Martinenghi third in 25.54.
Shymanovich said:
“This is incredible, I wanted to improve my personal best and I kind of did it.
“I think everything went well, I didn’t commit any mistake. All what I could do, I did, so I’m really happy now.”
Van der Burgh retired in 2018 following a career that encompassed an Olympic 100br title and world record at London 2012 and silver four years later in Rio.
The South African also claimed four world short-course titles and he posted to social media following Shymanovich’s record-equalling time.
Sakci set the previous European record of 25.29 at the ISL in November 2020 and he said:
“I feel very happy, this time is good for me and I’m think looking good at this time of the season.”
Martinenghi added 50 bronze to 100 gold and said:
“I’m really satisfied, it was a very difficult race mentally.
“There is some regret because of the time but it’s just a day like this.
“I’m really satisfied with how I performed at this championships, that was the goal we set: to continue growing at individual level.
“Today’s race was a lottery, I knew I could win but also may finish third.
“Maybe this bronze is for the better, having the upcoming World Championships in mind.”