Dual gold-winning Allan smashes national records

SWIMMING sensation Henry Allan continues to enhance his reputation as one of the country’s hottest international prospects with a pair of national title wins and record times at the 2026 Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast.

Following a breakout championships last year, the Junior Dolphins team member started this year’s meet with a bang last Saturday, producing two record swims within hours of each other in the 17-year boys 200m backstroke.

In his morning swim, Allan – better known for his performances over 50m and 100m – obliterated 2016 Olympian Mitch Larkin’s long-standing 200m backstroke record in winning his heat in 1:57.56.

The record had stood for 15 years.

It’s what Allan did next that stunned many, promptly breaking the record in the evening with a stunning 1:57.00 swim to break the all-comers record set in 2000 by American Aaron Peirsol.

It put the Bendigo East club swimmer in exalted company, with Peirsol a five-time Olympic champion and multiple world champion.

The all-comers record is the fastest performance in a specific event achieved within a particular country, regardless of the athlete’s nationality.

Larkin, whose record Allan smashed earlier in the day, was quick to take to social media to congratulate the young star.

“Unreal swimming Henry – the future is looking very bright,” Larkin posted.

Allan’s record-breaking feats have stamped him as a genuine bolter for selection in Australia’s medley relay team at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships in the United States later this year.

“To come back here tonight after heats and repeat the record … I am so proud of myself,” Allan said last Saturday.

“The 200m is never my specialty and I am excited to see where I can take it.

“I would be honoured to step into (Australia’s) medley relay – just the amount of excellence in the men’s and whole Dolphins’ squad.”

His club was quick to share its enthusiasm on social media.

“We’ve long known Henry Allan as a standout backstroker and a force in the 50m and 100m freestyle,” a post on the Bendigo East Swimming Club Facebook page read.

“But now he’s added another title to his growing list of achievements, 200m Freestyle Age Champion.

“An incredible display of versatility and determination at the 2026 Australian Age Championships, showing he’s not just fast – but can get it done across the distance as well.

“Credit to the preparation behind the scenes, with coach John Jordan continuing to guide Henry’s progression across multiple events. A huge moment for Henry and a proud moment for Bendigo East Swimming Club.”

Allan, who last year finished fourth in both the 50 and 100m backstroke finals at the World Junior Championships in Romania, backed up his record-breaking exploits on the Gold Coast by winning a second gold in the 17-year boys 200m freestyle on Sunday.

His winning time of 1:48.80 made him the sole finalist to clear the 1:50 benchmark.

Among the youngest of 14 Bendigo East swimmers coached by John Jordan competing at the age championships, Makayla Soko added to the medal haul by claiming bronze in the 12-year girls 100m multi-class backstroke.

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