West Lothian Courier

Young swim stars are a splash hit at meets

Coach full of praise as youngsters start year with a bang

- CALLUM CARSON

Swim-IT coach Fiona Donald has heaped praise on club members after their impressive start to 2022.

Many of the club’s swimmers have been competing in regional events since the turn of the year, with a string of personal best times and brilliant achievemen­ts across the board.

The first two rounds of the East District Championsh­ips saw Merryn Binnie, Rachel Donald, Abbi Morton, and Aaron McDowell compete.

Four personal best times were recorded in round one, held in Glenrothes, with some of those beaten a few weeks later at round two in Bathgate.

Merryn completed her first 400m event and took one minute and 24 seconds off her entry time as well as achieving a qualifying time for the 100m event at the World Para Championsh­ips.

Elsewhere, five club swimmers raced competitiv­ely for the first time at the Lothians Children’s Meet in Prestonpan­s.

Lily Donald, Myla Lamie, Owen McCreadie, Carolina Santos, and Dominik Santos all represente­d the club.

Coach Fiona was delighted with their showing and said: “It was a brilliant meet and they had loads of fun.

“The racing was super fast and a few new club records were set.”

Following on from that event was the East District Extended Time Trial held in the same location.

Seven personal best times were set by the three competing Swim-IT members – Corey McDowell, Jack Moore, and Abbie Morton – with Corey completing his first

ever 400IM event.

Proud Fiona added: “It has been amazing to get back to some more regular racing

and a bit more normal for the swimmers.

“We could not be more proud of how the swimmers have adapted and their relentless

resilience over the last couple of years. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings.”

 ?? ?? All smiles The team’s youngsters impressed at the Lothians Children’s Meet
All smiles The team’s youngsters impressed at the Lothians Children’s Meet
 ?? ?? Fine form Jack Moore, Abbi Morton, and Aaron McDowell (left to right)
Fine form Jack Moore, Abbi Morton, and Aaron McDowell (left to right)
 ?? ?? Dynamic duo Aaron McDowell and Rachel Donald
Dynamic duo Aaron McDowell and Rachel Donald
 ?? ?? Success Merryn Binnie
Success Merryn Binnie

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