I was quite disappointed in the number of swimmers who entered this year, as Rutherglen are noted as always having a good presence and doing well. This may have been partly due to Gourock pool being closed for refurbishment. We did not have enough for a relay.

Four swimmers entered, although Dean Stevenson had to withdraw following a bicycle injury.

Those who attended were not to disappoint and were a credit to our Club.

On Saturday Nicole Gunn last years 12 years 1Km Champion stepped up to the 2Km and took 2^nd place, Silver in a strong swim which led to a sprint finish for second/third which Nicole took. Saturday was a nicer day than Sunday and by the afternoon the water temperature was a tropical 16^oc +.

On Sunday the weather had turned for the worst with heavy rain and the water slightly colder at 15.4^oc.

The 1KM races were held together in the afternoon. Lilli Patterson was in the 1Km 12 Years Scottish Championship and Naoise Warner was in the 1Km Novice race. Both swimmers completed the course well. Lilli Patterson took the 1Km 12 years Scottish Championship Gold, held last year by Nicole Gunn. So once again the Club can boast a Scottish Champion and for the second year running in the same event.

Naoise Warner took second in the Novice in a very strong swim particularly considering her lack of competitive swimming experience compared to some of our other swimmers.

Open Water Swimming tells me a lot about my swimmers. It is not everyone’s favourite event. However, we learn to swim to be able to be safe outdoors and cope. Swimmers who cope outdoors and fight should have no problems with dealing with minor pressures in a Pool. There are many top swimmers at theses events, not all are quite as good as they are in the pool. Some of the swimmers who do well do not feature as highly in Pool events.

There is something in Swimming for everyone and when I go to support Open Water events I feel tremendously proud of our swimmers who challenge themselves in this way. Open Water Swimming in Scotland is not easy and where “Fortune favours the brave”.

Lindsay Young HEAD COACH