Distance Dominator Sam Short Returns To Training Chasing World Short Course Glory In Beijing
Australia’s middle-distance freestyle golden boy Sam Short has returned to training in Brisbane this week – his sights set firmly on the World Short Course Championships in Beijing in December.
Short has been one of the real stand-out performers on the international stage throughout 2026, winning of seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs including individual doubles in the 400, 800 and 1500m freestyle in a dominant campaign.
In Irvine, just two weeks after the Glasgow Games, Short broke Ian Thorpe’s 1999 Pan Pac 400m freestyle record and also lowered Grant Hackett’s 2001 Australian 1500m mark -earning him the Male Swimmer of the Meet Award.
But the 23-year-old hasn’t been idle in his time off over the past month, since returning home, making a host of appearances; including a swim school conference with Olympic champion Duncan Armstrong, and as a guest of honour at an NRL football game on the Gold Coast with fellow Games and Pan Pac star, Olympic silver medallist and world champion Meg Harris.
Short and another fellow Rackley Swim Team member, two-time Olympic medallist Tommy Neil, also attended the annual age group 2026 Battle of Brisbane meet where they addressed the 140-strong teams and their parents – before commentating on the meet at Somerville House. Some who may well be on show when Brisbane hosts the 2032 Olympics.
ON THE MIC: Olympians Sam Short (centre) and Tommy Neil join your Swimming World correspondent to call the Battle of Brisbane. Photo Courtesy Wade Brennan Photos.
An exciting age group teams event, which featured four teams – three of teams named after Brisbane Olympic stars Stephanie Rice, Jessicah Schipper and Mitch Larkin and a fourth team representing the Wide Bay area.
“It was important to connect with the swimming community in South-East Queensland and give back to the sport – and having some fun along the way,” said Short.
“The Battle of Brisbane is a real winner for the kids aged 9 to 12 and the energy generated was fantastic – swimming for their teams.
“And to sit with Duncan on a panel at the Australian Swim Schools conference was amazing – we had a great chat – he’s such a true Aussie icon and an inspiration.”
But it’s time to get back to business for Short who will be one of the stars at the up-coming Australian Short Course Championships and Beijing Selection Trials in Sydney from September 29 to October 2.
“I’ll be swimming at the Short Course Championships with my sights set on the World Championships in Beijing so it’s back to the grind,” said Short.
And for Neil, who suffered a broken hand during the pre-Commonwealth Games Camp in Darmstadt, Germany, forcing him out of the Games and the Pan Pacs, has also returned to training this week, his sights on the Queensland Championships in December.
BATTLE WON: Swimming Brisbane President Ray Clarson presents the Battle of Brisbane trophy to the Team Mitch Larkin captains. Photo Courtesy Wade Brennan Photos (Swimming Brisbane).
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Battle of Brisbane winners Team Mitch Larkin with Swimming Brisbane president Ray Clarson. Photo Courtesy Wade Brennan Photos (Swimming Brisbane)
2026 Battle Brisbane Photo Gallery Courtesy of Wade Brennan Photos (Swimming Brisbane)
