2023 Scottish National Open Water Championships

The 2023 Scottish National Open Water Championships were held at Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch over two days, 12/13 August.

This year’s event attracted the largest ever entries with over 200 swims, with ages ranging from 10 years to 65+.

The five Fins swimmers had another good weekend wining two bronze medals, a 4^th, two 5^th and an 8^th place finish.

Lilian, Ethan, Adam, and Caleb

The two bronze medals, both won on the Saturday, came from 14 year old Kristen Mackay, 15/16 women’s, 2Km event, who was the youngest swimmer in the two year age band. She will be 15 later in the year. Kirsten finished behind Eva Gordon of Stirling, and Orla MacInnes of Heart of Midlothian.

Kristen and Caleb

In the Women’s Open Championships (all ages from 11 upwards) Kirsten was 15^th.

12 year old Caleb Gray, 11/12 men, 2km event, finishing behind Noah Buchan of North Norfolk, and Blair Tetlow of Garioch. In the Men’s Open, Caleb was placed 30^th. He was also the only Fins’ swimmer to compete on both days and on the Sunday, he gained a 5^th place in the 1 Km event, 19^th in the Men’s Open.

The 4^th place finish was achieved by 12 year old Ethan Pate, 11/12 men, 1Km event. There was a close contest for the bronze medal with Ethan just missing out by 3 seconds and just 3 seconds ahead of Caleb. Ethan finished 18^th in the Men’s Open.

13 year old , Adam Selbie, 13/14 men, finished 5^th in the 1Km event, and finished 9^th in the Men’s Open. The 13/14 men is a very strong age group with the winner of the age group event finishing 3^rd in the Men’s Open.

The remaining swimmer was 11 year old Lilian Blair, 11/12 women, who finished in 8^th place in the 1Km event, 26^th in the Women’s Open.

Ken White,

Club Press Officer