Swimming: Bathgate members bring home medals

Jun 18 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE waters of Prestonpans and North Ayrshire have provided the settings for some excellent recent Bathgate Amateur Swimming Club triumphs.

Members were in action last month at events in both towns where 33 personal bests were set out of the 40 swims and the team took some 18 medals and awards back to West Lothian.

Thirteen-year-old Callum Robb won gold and bronze at a top junior meet hosted by North Ayrshire ASC at Auchenharvie.

His achievements are even more remarkable considering Callum only started competitive swimming a year ago but he has advanced superbly through the ranks.

He now trains 14 hours per week with the revamped Swim West Lothian squad and is definitely a name to look out for in the future.

The team also brought home a hatful of medals and awards at the East Lothian Graded Meet at Prestonpans.

The meet was the first competitive gala for a number of our girls and they all coped admirably with the challenge.

Medal winners at Prestonpans were: Louise McNeill — too fast award and two silvers, Matthew Reilly — too fast award, a silver and two bronze, Colin Waddell — too fast award, a silver and bronze, Nathan Robb — too fast award, a silver and bronze, George Hossack — two silvers, Nicola Kelly — too fast award, Chelsea Crooks — one bronze.

Also competing were Lucy McNeill, Victoria Meek, Lisa Kelly and Ailsa McAlpine all of whom swam PB's on the day.

Bathgate ASC has places available for competitive swimmers of all ages and ability.

Please contact Stuart Reilly on 01506 650247 to arrange a trial.

The club operates a waiting list for our learn to swim group.

Meanwhile, Aquanauts and Swim West Lothian swimmer Dean Strachan was on top form when he travelled to Germany with his county team mates to take part in the Nehiem swim festival in Germany.

The flight, travel and strange bed did not hamper the 13 year old as he posted four personal bests and lifted six medals: three bronze, a silver and two gold, to rack up the second best individual performance of the weekend.