Eight Fins’ swimmers qualified for the Scottish National Age Group Championships, held over five days at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Glasgow, from Wednesday 27 March to Sunday 31 March.
Yet again it was a very successful week for the swimmers who saw some significant improvements, but for one swimmer in particular it was outstanding. 13 year old Erin Taylor, who competed in the 14 years girls’ age group, returned with two National Age Group Titles. These were achieved in the 400m Individual Medley, in a time of 5 minutes 13.43 seconds, and the 200m Butterfly in a time of 2 minutes 26.68 seconds, both PBs of 1.93 and 1.96 seconds respectively. The significance of the times is that they both fall within the consideration times for the Scottish Silver Squad. Erin is currently in the District Regional Programme and while she now has sufficient times to move up a level to the Scottish Bronze Squad two more times could see her jump two levels to the Silver Squad. The times also rank her as 7th in Britain for 200m Butterfly, with the 4th fastest time, for a 14 year old, recorded this year, and 11th in the 400m Individual Medley.
In addition, Erin also finished 4th in the 200m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, 6th in the 200m Individual Medley, and 9th in the 100m Butterfly.
Five of the remaining swimmers also featured in the finals those being –
Arran Stowe, 19 and over boys, 4th – 400m Individual Medley, 7th – 200m Breaststroke.
Caitlyn Dodds, 17/18 girls, 5th in both the 50m and 100m Backstroke. Caitlyn also qualified in 8th place for the 200m Backstroke but was unable to compete.
Esme Lee, 11 to 13 girls, 6th – 200m Backstroke, 1st reserve – 200m Individual Medley, 2nd reserve – 50m Backstroke.
Neža Dolenc-Luznar, 15 girls. 7th in both the 50 Freestyle ad 100m Butterfly, 8th – 100m Freestyle, 1st reserve – 50m Butterfly, Neža also qualified for the final of the 200m Freestyle but was unable to compete.
Mark Scott, 11 to 13 boys, 8th in both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke, 9th – 100m Butterfly, 1st reserve in both the 50m and 200m Freestyle, and 2nd reserve – 50m Butterfly.
The remaining two swimmers who qualified for the Championships were Theo Goodfellow (17/18), and Holly Armit (13). This was Holly’s first National Championships and was originally a reserve for the 200m Breaststroke having secured a swim did well to move up 4 places.
PBs were never going to be large at this level but two of the younger swimmers made significant improvements. Mark reduced his 50m Breaststroke by 7.09 seconds, and his 50m Butterfly by 3.93 seconds, while Esmereduced her 50m Butterfly by 3.36 seconds and her 200m Backstroke by 3.18 seconds.