Nowacki secures Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games medal in 36 years
The 18-year-old becomes only the fifth athlete to win a medal representing Jersey, finishing behind Australia’s Sam Williamson and ahead of world record-holder Adam Ramsay-Peaty.
Eighteen-year-old swimmer Filip Nowacki has secured Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games medal in 36 years, claiming silver in the 100m breaststroke. The victory marks a significant milestone for the island, ending a medal drought that dates back to Colin Mallett’s gold in fullbore shooting in 1990. Nowacki finished behind Australia’s Sam Williamson by 0.17 seconds, with world record-holder Adam Ramsay-Peaty taking bronze, 0.31 seconds behind the Australian.
Nowacki’s performance was characterised by a strong second half of the race. He was in fourth place at the 50m turn but overtook Ramsay-Peaty and early leader Michael Houlie of South Africa during the second 50m leg. As the reigning British champion and world junior champion for both the 100m and 200m breaststroke, Nowacki has positioned himself as a strong contender in the remaining events.
The result makes Nowacki only the fifth person to win a Commonwealth Games medal while representing Jersey. The island’s previous medals were won by Albert Turmel in 1962, John Sillitoe in 1988, Simon Militis in 2002, and Colin Mallett in 1990 and 1994. While Islanders have previously won medals representing England, the Commonwealth Games remains the highest level of competition where athletes can compete under Jersey’s own flag.
Nowacki is scheduled to compete in the 50m breaststroke on Sunday, where he will face Ramsay-Peaty again. His strongest opportunity for gold appears to be in the 200m breaststroke on Tuesday, where he is the fastest qualifier. With two events remaining, he has the chance to equal Mallett as the only islander to win two Commonwealth Games medals, potentially establishing himself as the most decorated athlete in Jersey’s history at the event.
The achievement highlights the continued potential of Jersey’s sporting talent on the international stage. Having already secured a podium finish, Nowacki’s subsequent races will be closely watched as he aims to add to his tally and cement his status among the island’s most successful athletes.
