Four Fins’ swimmers were at the Royal Commonwealth Pool between the 27th and 29th June to compete in the National Championships. As there was no age groups involved and all their swims were in the afternoon session there were no expectations that the swimmers would be in any finals, and again, as with the ED Summer Sizzler, the swimmers’ finishing position was unimportant. What was important is that they tried to achieve an improvement in their long course times which for the most part they did by producing eight long course PBs from 11 swims, including a new club record.

Overall, there were three PBs that resulted in upward movement in the Fins’ top 50 long course rankings and a further five improvements that resulted in no change to the swimmer’s position in the rankings. There were no new entries to the rankings.

The other advantage to the swimmers, especially the younger ones, is that it gives them invaluable experience of competing in a major meet.

Top swimmer for Fins was Kristin Mackay, 17 years female, who was one of the ‘no changes’ but this was no surprise as she was already placed 1st in the Fins’ rankings for the 1500m freestyle. And her time of 18 minutes 44.81 seconds is a new club record beating her previous best time by 11.68 seconds.

Unfortunately, when the list of records was made up there was no such event as a 1500m freestyle for female swimmers. However, David Gordon is attempting to rectify the situation and hopefully it will appear in its rightful place shortly.

Kristin also recorded two further PBs, and again her next highest ranked event was also a ‘no change’ which maintains her 2nd place in the 800m freestyle, but brings her closer to 1st place by 10.38 seconds, but still a bit to go.

Kirstin’s remaining improvement was in her 200m individual medley where an 8.05 second PB moved her up the rankings from 12th to 5th place, and just 6.77 seconds away from the top spot.

Lilian Blair, 13 years female, had two improvements with her highest ranking position again a ‘no change’ and that was in her 200m breaststroke, where a 0.51 second PB keeps her in 8th place.

Lilian’s remaining improvement was in 400m individual medley where the largest PB by a Fins’ swimmer of 12.32 seconds moves her from 10th to 9th.

Irys Blair, 15 years female, had one PB, which again resulted in ‘no change’ where a 0.27 second PB in her 50m backstroke keeps her in 8th place.

The fourth swimmer was Millie Whytock, 12 years female, who recorded a 1.19 second PB in her 50m backstroke, moving her from 14th to 13th place.

So, all swimmers recorded a PB and I would say that the long weekend was very successful for those who were involved.