Walshe wins European gold in 200m butterfly

Ellen Walshe became the first Irish woman to top the podium at the European Short Course Championships as she won gold in a thrilling 200m butterfly final.

The Templeogue swimmer, who on Saturday claimed silver in the 200m medley in Lublin, Poland, touched the wall in a time of 2:03.24, just 0.31secs faster than silver medallist Helena Rosendahl Bach of Denmark.

The 24-year-old had been as far back as seventh after 50m, only making her move in the final quarter of the race.

"It was a stacked field of fliers, so it was going to be about who had the better backend. You just have to hold on for the first 150m and then just try to bring it home the last 50 and that's just what I did," Walshe said.

"I think you have to stick to your own process, which is so important to not race anyone else's race.

"I know the backend can be strong. The frontend, it's definitely a weakness that I have. I need to get out quicker, it's something I'm trying to work on."

On the closing night of the championships, Walshe competed in the final of the 400m individual medley only 30 minutes after her gold medal and started strongly before ultimately finishing seventh in a race won by home favourite Justina Kozan in a time of 4:28.56.

Walshe's pair of medals were two of seven won by Ireland in Poland.

Daniel Wiffen won gold in the 1500m freestyle and bronze in both the 400m and 800m freestyle. John Shortt claimed silver in the 200m backstroke, while Evan Bailey won bronze in the 200m freestyle.

"It was absolutely savage," added Walshe of the team's overall showing.

"Each and every one of them played a massive part in everyone's success this week, and I think we all got to kind of drive off that."