Shane Ryan and Maria Godden were the sole Irish swimmers in action on the fourth morning of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha.

Shane Ryan, competing in the first of the 100m Freestyle seeded heats, was seventh in 49.19, just outside his Irish Record of 48.48. Ryan ranked twenty sixth overall.

The National Centre Dublin swimmer returns to the pool on Sunday for the Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay, with the team aiming to secure Olympic qualification.

Maria Godden returned to the pool this morning for the 50m Backstroke, where she was second in her heat in 29.13, placing twenty sixth overall.

Speaking after the race Godden said ‘50m, especially at half nine in the morning, is always a challenge, I’m pleased enough with that as morning swims go, obviously it’s hard to make a second swim but I do feel like my technique is good and I’m feeling strong so I’m really looking forward to the 200m (Backstroke) now.’

Godden returns to the pool on Friday for her main event, the 200m Backstroke.

This afternoon, Daniel Wiffen will swim the 800m Freestyle Final (4pm IRL). Wiffen is ranked second following a heat swim of of 7:46.90. The 22-year-old is the current European Record holder in the event in 7:39.19 and the European and World Record holder in the short course (25m) version. The long course record was set at the 2023 edition of the World Championships where Wiffen finished in fourth place.
Daily reports will issue from Doha.

Results Day 4 Heats
Women 50m Backstroke          Maria Godden       29.13 (26th)
Men 100m Freestyle                Shane Ryan            49.19 (24th)

Schedule – Day 4 Finals
Men 800m Freestyle Final        Daniel Wiffen         4.02pm (IRL)