Dolphin swimmer Lev Lobanets crowned Irish national champion in the 50m butterfly

Cork swimmer Lev Lobanets has cleaned up this summer, and the teenager now has his sights set on the national team.

The Dolphin Swimming Club athlete claimed titles in multiple sports last month in the Irish Summer Youth & Senior Championships – including gold in the 50m butterfly and four silver medals.

The teenager also recorded two National Junior Pathway qualifying times, which means a chance to compete and swim alongside the best of the best at international level.

All this was achieved at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre in Dublin at the end of July, under the guidance of coach Mick McCormack.

The teenager cannot stop smiling when he thinks about what he has achieved over the last few weeks.

“I’m pretty happy – all the work I did paid off when I got there,” he told The Echo.

“I went to the Irish national championships a couple of days ago and I won five medals and a senior national team qualifying time and we broke a Munster Junior record for the 300 relay.” 

This was a just reward for an athlete that trains five days a week, through the four seasons.

“Most of the time I train in the morning but on Thursdays I train in the evening from 5:00pm to 7:30pm,” he gave an insight into his regime.

“We have a really good relationship [me and my coaches]. They help me in every possible way. They are always encouraging me.” 

The talented teenager is now looking forward to 2027 has in store, as he aims to push on and make the national team.

Lobanets success was part of an incredible run for Dolphin Swimming Club at the Irish Summer Nationals Youth/Senior Championships.

The club and their athletes received 29 individual national medals including gold, twelve silver, and seven bronze. 

Dolphin’s haul also included four Munster Junior relay records with gold in the female 400 Free Relay and 400 Medley Relay, and gold in the male 800 Free Relay, and 400 Medley Relay.

Dolphin Swimming Club congratulated all their athletes with a heartfelt post on social media.

“Whatever the outcome on the Swim Ireland Top Team Award is, we are all so immensely proud of everyone who represented our club so well this week in Dublin, but also all season long all around the country and internationally,” they said.

“Thanks to our wonderful coaching team led by Mick McCormack and to our super committee and volunteers who have worked tirelessly all year long to provide the best opportunities for everyone in the club.

“A brilliant way to cap off an historic year for Dolphin SC as we celebrate our 125th anniversary.”