Mackie sweeps board in Lanark’s medal haul
Evi Mackie won 14 medals as six Lanark ASC swimmers took part in the South Lanarkshire Swimming Team at the Scottish National Age Group Championships in Aberdeen.
The team exceeded expectations, finishing fourth behind City of Glasgow, Warrender [Edinburgh] and East Lothian, following the five-day event.
Mackie, 15, had competed in the British Olympic trials in London the week before, finishing 34th in the women’s 400m individual medley from a field of 79, and seeded 61st.
She posted a personal best time of 5.05:78.
Shaking off a heavy cold, Mackie arrived in Aberdeen to win six individual titles, six silver, and two relay silver.
Mackie won the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle, 200m breaststroke [first Scot] and 400m IM.
Emily Taylor, 12, won three bronze in the 11/13 age group, posting a 47-second PB to finish third in 1500m freestyle and two further bronze in relays.
Lanark Amateur Swimming Club coach Karen Kelly said: “It was a challenging two weeks for Evi.
“Her two stand-out swims were the 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle.
“She is the first Lanark female to break the minute for 100m free long course.”
On Taylor’s performance, Karen said: “Her swim in the 1500 was astounding, but it was matched by a breathtaking 1.03:20 split in the 4x100m free relay.
“Always with a smile, her application in the training pool meant any medal was fully merited.
“A finalist in the fly, back and free events, she’s an excellent IM swimmer in the making.”
Orlaith Jeffrey, 14, qualified for SNAGS despite being hampered by an arm injury this season, finishing just outside her personal best time in 200m butterfly.
Katie Towers, 16, finished sixth in the 50m breaststroke final and posted a new PB in 100m freestyle, but her championships were cut short by illness.
Craig Shaw, 16, reached three breaststroke finals, finishing fourth in 50m in a new club record time of 31.47, which had been set 11 years earlier by Jack Mccomish.
Shaw finished fifth in 100m and seventh in 200m.
Millie Mcarthur made her last competitive swims for Lanark in the 17/18 years age group, putting in solid performances in 50m and 100m freestyle.
Karen Kelly said: “I cannot speak highly enough of Millie.
“She is very popular within the Lanark and South Lanarkshire teams, takes an interest in the younger swimmers like Emily, and offers encouragement and praise in equal measure.
“She’s a team player to her core and a fantastic role model for our young kids.”