GOLDEN BOY Jack Kirby has splashed his way to the FINA World Championships in South Korea.
The 18-year-old swimming sensation produced an impressive “B” qualifying time in the 15 and over 100 metres backstroke, touching the wall in 55.80 seconds to help Pirates Swim Club to 1 266 points and a historic first title at the 28th annual Aquatic Centre International Invitational on Saturday.
Nicholas Neckles of Flying Fish Masters was second (1:01.29) while Nkosi Dunwoody of Alpha Sharks Swim Club finished third (1:07.37).
Kirby also came extremely close to removing an eight-year record in the 50 metres freestyle of 23.60 set by Joshua McCleod in 2011. After going into the event with a time of 23.46, he was seven seconds short of another outstanding achievement. (AG-B)
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