Sam Short
Fast Facts
- Date of Birth: 17/9/2003
- Birthplace: Everton Park
- Nickname: Shorty
- Sporting Idol: Grant Hackett
- Favourite Quote: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard
- Biggest Challenge: Overcoming melanoma and having this surgery 4.5 weeks out from 2022 Commonwealth Games (and my 1500m free Gold) - swam with 20 stitches in my back
- Greatest achievement so far: 2023 World Champion 400m free
- Favourite Food: Spag Bol
Not only a young gun in the pool, Sam Short started his love of water in the surf surrounding himself with water and excelling in competitions in both the ocean and the pool.
Before becoming a World Champion in Japan in 2023, Sam broke some illustrious Australian Age Records from Aussie Greats such as Grant Hackett. As the former captain of Prince of Peace Lutheran College which demonstrates his respected character, he graduated in 2021 and only a year later, won a silver medal as part of the 4x200m Freestyle Relay at the 2022 World Championships. He went on to make headlines after winning a gold medal in the 1500m Freestyle and a silver in the 400m Freestyle at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The pinnacle of his career was achieving gold in the 400m freestyle, silver in the 800m, and bronze in the 1500m at swimming’s World Championships in Japan in 2023. Sam’s hardworking attitude across the long distances has earned him a great reputation within the swimming community. He is an exciting talent with his sights firmly set on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Sam Short is also a melanoma survivor. He was diagnosed with a melanoma on his lower back in June 2022 while on his first overseas trip representing Australia. Following the advice of his doctor back home and the Australian swim team doctor, he underwent surgery in Budapest immediately after competing in the World Championships that year. He is now an Ambassador for the Melanoma Institute of Australia and is driven to reduce melanoma cases in Australia.
