Filip Nowacki wins Jersey's first Commonwealth Games medal in 36 years
18-year-old swimmer Filip Nowacki won silver in the 100m breaststroke, beating world record holder Adam Peaty. It is Jersey's first Commonwealth Games medal since 1990.
Swimmer Filip Nowacki has won Jersey's first Commonwealth Games medal in 36 years after taking silver in the men's 100m breaststroke on Sunday.
The 18-year-old, who is the world junior champion in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke, finished second behind Australia's Sam Williamson by 0.17 seconds. World record holder Adam Peaty was third, 0.31 seconds behind Nowacki.
Nowacki was fourth at the 50m turn but produced a superb second half to overtake Peaty and early leader Michael Houlie of South Africa. "I'm really happy with that swim. It was just a touch outside my personal best, but it's a true privilege racing Adam, the Aussies and the very best in the world," Nowacki told BBC Jersey.
The teenager has more chances for medals later in the week, including the 50m breaststroke starting Sunday and the 200m breaststroke beginning Tuesday. He is the reigning British champion and fastest qualifier in the 200m. "It gives me confidence going forwards, but it's not given that my 200's going to be great, so it's just about focusing in on the 200 now and the 50 tomorrow," he added.
Nowacki grew up on Jersey, an island of about 100,000 people. He left to train at Millfield School and will move to Loughborough after the Games to join Team GB's elite squad preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. His former coach, now managing the Jersey team in Glasgow, said: "It's just the start of his journey. The last two years for him has been phenomenal."
Nowacki becomes only the fifth athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal representing Jersey. The island's last medal came in 1990 when Colin Mallett won gold in fullbore shooting. With two more events to go, Nowacki has the chance to become Jersey's most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete.
