Cerys and Laura take on the world
Para squad duo picked for championships in Portugal
Two members of South Ayrshire Swim Team’s Para Squad have been selected for a world championship event later this year in Portugal.
Cerys McCrindle, 20, and Laura Logan, 28, have made the 30-strong Great Britain team for the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation World Championships, in Albufeira.
This high profile event will be staged from October 15 and October 23 and it’s hoped that Team GB can muscle in on the gold medal action and make it another memorable occasion.
Cerys’s proud mum, Karen, said: “Cerys and Laura are both extremely excited to have been selected to compete for Great Britain Down Syndrome Swim Team at the 10th World Championships.
“The girls are part of a 30-strong team but they had to fight hard to gain the qualifying times for the competitive Great Britain Team.
“The girls are two of only three Scottish members, along with Beth Grieg, from Arbroath.”
The events will be held over a tough five-day event.
Cerys, from Prestwick, is looking to compete in 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle and build on previously held European records, as well as 50m and 100m backstroke and butterfly events.
Cerys will be hoping to be selected to compete in a few relay events too – and defend the European record in the 50m x4 Girls Freestyle Relay.
Laura, from Coylton, has qualified to compete in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and butterfly as well as the 100m butterfly, where she hopes to make the final.
Laura is training hard to gain further qualifying times for additional events.
Karen said: “Both girls train hard weekly and attend various GB training camps throughout the country during the year.
“The duo can been seen around South Ayrshire swimming pools where they pass on their skills and experience to many young swimmers.
“Cerys has been lucky enough to receive funding to help with her costs from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire.
“However, both girls would be grateful to hear from anyone who would be willing to assist them further.”
A spokesperson for Down Syndrome Swimming GB said: “After a very different couple of years for Down Syndrome Swimming, we are extremely pleased to announce that we will be sending a GB team to Albufeira, Portugal, for the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (DSISO) World Swimming Championships.
“Congratulations to the 30 swimmers who have worked very hard during the qualifying period and achieved their goal of being selected for the GB team.
“And thank you to the clubs and coaches that have worked so hard with their swimmers to help them achieve their goals. Five more months to prepare!”
Cerys and Laura are no strangers to the Great Britain set-up.
In 2019, the pair represented Great Britain with distinction and won a clutch of medals at the European Down Syndrome
Championships in Sardinia.
Cerys swam her way to a total of five medals and helped her GB team to the top of the medal table.
And GB team-mate Laura was also a golden girl, winning gold in the 50m butterfly in the Masters 1 category.