Swimming: Loch win for West Lothian club

Jul 23 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

YOU can’t get any wetter than wet so the saying goes.

So it was with anticipation and not trepidation that the outstanding athletes from Swim West Lothian took to a chilly loch in Fife on an overcast and wet day for the Scottish Open Water championships at Lochore Meadows Country Park, Lochgelly.

The 2km and 5km events, swimming in 1km laps in the loch, made spectating easier and indeed more exciting as the youngsters pitted their wits against older and more experienced athletes.

However, summer training combined with grit and determination won through as all the Swim West Lothian athletes lifted medals.

There were some outstanding performances from the county swimmers everyone playing their part in the success of the day.

In the 15/16 age group Ishbel Rodger took silver in the 5km and 2km events.

Fiona Donald took bronze in the 5km for the club.

For the boys in the same age group Aaron Sievewright similarly lifted bronze in the 5km.

In the younger age group (13/14) Rachel Donald took silver with Hannah McRae securing the bronze.

The day rounded off with a new event, the 2km relay, and the girl's team lifted bronze to complete an excellent event.