An entire island was glued to the pool as 18-year-old Filip Nowacki swam into Jersey sporting history – ending a 36-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal with a stunning silver-winning performance.
The 18-year-old touched the wall in 59.34 seconds to finish second in the men’s 100m breaststroke on Saturday night in Glasgow.
A medal 36 years in the making
Australia’s Sam Williamson took gold in 59.17 seconds, while Great Britain’s Adam Peaty – widely regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers of all time and a childhood hero of Nowacki’s – claimed bronze in 59.65.
READ MORE…
FOCUS: Teenage swimmer hoping to win Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games medal in 36 years
Most teenagers do not have to contend with the competitive pressure, attention-to-detail and relentless discipline that accompanies elite level sport. But at just 18 years old, Jersey’s Filip Nowacki has already found his stride in a world dominated by high expectations and constant preparation.…
The result secured Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games medal since Colin Mallet won gold in 1990.
Social media was quickly flooded with messages praising the teenager, who has made a name as one of Jersey’s brightest sporting talents.
“You constantly put in the hard work”
Among those leading the tributes was Carole Penfold MBE, President of Jersey Swimming Club, who reflected on watching Nowacki’s journey from promising youngster to Commonwealth medallist.
“Absolutely brilliant talent Filip,” she said.
“You constantly put in the hard work needed to achieve your goals and deserve every recognition.”
Recalling his early days in the pool, she added: “Our Chief Coach recognised your talent and knew that you would achieve success. We are very proud of you… We avidly look forward to watching your achievements in the years to come.”
“This is just the start of great things”
Others described the medal as only the start of what they believe will be a remarkable career.
Shell Doofer wrote: “This is just the start of great things for Filip in the future. He’s had a natural talent from really young… but it takes great resilience and determination to achieve this level of excellence… The future is bright.”
Local swimming legend Sally Minty-Gravett MBE, who is known for her record-breaking cross-channel swims, said Nowacki’s performance was “simply OUTSTANDING”.
Another Islander said her grandchildren, who train with the same club, had been watching his race. “He is their hero,” she remarked.
Among the dozens of other congratulatory messages were comments lauding the “fantastic achievement”, describing the 100m breaststroke as an “amazing race to watch”, and stating that it was “so good to watch [Nowacki] doing so well”.
Another commenter enthused: “To swim against the best and be right up there, there are no words!”
“What a moment for Jersey”
Jersey Sport described the medal-winning moment as “sensational”.
“What a moment for Jersey,” the body said. “…To stand on the Commonwealth podium alongside one of the sport’s all-time greats is an incredible achievement.”
