FLASH! Szebasztian Szabo Matches 50 Fly SC World Record In 21.75
Szebasztian Szabo matched the 50 fly world record as he scorched to 21.75 at the European Short-Course Championships in Kazan, Russia.
Szabo has been on golden form this week with victories in the 50 free and 100 fly and booked lane four with a championship record of 22.00
He had a fantastic start and was first to turn, coming home to equal the world record set by Brazil’s Nicholas Santos in October 2018.
Matteo Rivolta set an Italian record of 22.14 for second with teammate Thomas Ceccon third in 22.24.
Szabo said:
“Oh man, that one hundredth… Ok, I’m also a world record holder now and the European mark is mine too so it’s great, really great.
“It was the plan, to have a swim like this.
“The start was terrific and then I gave all I had. In fact, I did a lot of racing which helped me a lot to excel here but at the same time I also start feeling the fatigue nowadays – but it’s more while I’m on dryland, once I jump to the pool I feel I could go as fast as I want.
“Obviously, it’s better this way than the opposite.”
With a nod to modesty, he added:
“No, I still don’t feel I’m a great star of this sport, the three golds are fine, the record too but I’m not the kind of person who will run around celebrating.
“It’s great to claim all these medals, happy to be able to achieve these results but I just wish to go back to the training pool and get ready for the World Championships too.”
Photo Courtesy: Deepbluemedia/Giorgio Scala
Rivolta, who turns 30 in 10 days’ time, paid tribute to Szabo and Ceccon, saying:
“I’m very happy with this outcome. I didn’t swim as well as yesterday, I felt a bit tired.
“My swimming wasn’t perfect but I’m happy for Szabo and his world record as he is a great guy. I’m also happy for Thomas to win the bronze.
“It means a lot to have two Italians on the podium – a veteran and a ‘younger lion’ like Thomas. It is a great incentive for the World Championships.”
Of his performance, he said:
“Today I couldn’t have asked for more than a silver. To be honest, I didn’t think I would be able to swim 50m so fast together with the younger ones.
“I congratulate both my staff and my coach for not having lost the focus and our goals from the very first day of the championships.
“I’d like to dedicate this medal for my family for supporting me throughout 2021, which was a year with lot of changes both in my private and professional life.”
Szebasztian Szabo & Thomas Ceccon: Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala, Deepbluemedia
Ceccon said:
“I’m really satisfied with this bronze medal. This was not a race I expected to win. I’m really happy to share the podium with my team-mates from ISL.
“Immediately after the final I rushed to swim the 100m IM semis but I was just too tired, I tried but I couldn’t make it. All in all, I’m still satisfied as I gave all I had today.
“For me, all these races are competitions but also training and I’d like to peak in this short-course season in Abu Dhabi (short-course worlds).
“These two medals are my first individual podiums at international meets which makes me extremely proud.
“What’s the most important that I know I’m doing a good job, we are working a lot and I enjoy what I do and hope to be on the right track.”