Shayna Jack has fought back tears after securing her spot in Australia’s World Championship team with a personal-best swim in the 100m freestyle final.
Jack, who was banned from the sport for two years, swam an excellent time of 52.60, leading for the majority of race before she was pipped by Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Mollie O’Callaghan (52.49) at the death.
The 23-year-old was overcome with emotion after qualifying, admitting that it had always been her private goal to secure a spot on the Australian team in an individual event rather than solely as a part of a relay quartet.
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“You’re going to make me cry again. It’s just one of those moments that I really, really, really wanted,” she told Amazon Prime Video after the race.
“To be able to do that with Mollie (O’Callaghan), she swam an amazing time, to come away with a PB like that, I am just so proud of myself and thank you to everybody who supported me to get back to here.
“To be completely honest, (her coach) Dean (Boxall) and I spoke about it and I just wanted to be here and to be able to stand behind those blocks head held high and swim that race.
“I had so many emotions going through my body and I’m just glad to touch that time and get myself back on the team.
“It’s just an amazing experience to be here. I swam it, I did it and I’m back. I was definitely gunning for that individual (spot), I just never really spoke about it too much.
“I always had intention of coming back, making a mark and showing everyone what I’m made of. This is just the beginning and I really look forward to the next couple of years.”