Scott rakes in the medals at gala
ST ANDREW’S Preparatory Grade 7 pupil Scott Ritchie took home three gold and three silver medals from the South African Age Group Level Championships Gala in Port Elizabeth.
With great times in the level 2 backstroke and freestyle events, Scott shaved almost 11 seconds off his personal best time in the 200m individual medley.
A total of 422 participants from 40 teams competed at the gala.
Based on his own times, Scott hopes to progress to the National Junior Championship next year.
His times are: 50m freestyle gold in 31.41 seconds, 50m backstroke gold in 37.77sec and 100m backstroke silver in 1.23.50.
Scott won gold in the 12-yearsand-under mixed 4 x 50m freestyle relay, silver in the 12-andunder boys 4 x 100m freestyle relay and silver in the 12-and-under boys 4x 50m freestyle relay.
The SA Regional level 2 and 3 gala was held over four days, from Thursday to Sunday.
It was a novel gala, because of the sheer magnitude of swimmers from Kenya, Mozambique and teams from Natal participating with the usual swimmers from the region. Grahamstown swimmers, who swim for the Aquabear club, totalled 15 medals – with 14 from DSG, St Andrew’s College and St Andrew’s Preparatory School.
Special mention must be made of three swimmers – Erin Jarvis, for swimming SA Youth qualification times in the 100m back and 50m freestyle, Emma Podesta, for a Junior National qualification time in the 200m backstroke, and Junior DSG swimmer Catherine Williamson, for a Junior National qualification time in the 100m breaststroke.