Larne Swimmers take Western Counties by Storm

Raymond Skillen and Gary Williamson accompanied Wilson Logan, Conor Leaney, Nick Browne, Gavin Williamson, Niamh Gilmore, Eimear Black and Laura Heaton to the Western Counties Long Course Championships at Millfield in Somerset, England.

Following a delay of one hour the squad departed from Belfast International Airport. They arrived in Bristol and travelled by car to their hotel in Street, Somerset where they hurriedly left off bags before heading to the 50m pool at Millfield for Wilson and Laura’s first races at 6pm and where they were met by Shane Traill who was also competing. Although there was hardly time to catch breath, both swam well and Wilson was placed 3rd Junior. It was then back to the hotel and everyone headed for bed following a late meal.

Saturday saw all of the squad competing with a number of swimmers recording PBs and a few winning medals (Wilson 2nd Junior & Conor 1st & 3rd Junior). It was a very long day but the gala ran smoothly and professionally. Tired but in good form the squad made there way back to the hotel to change for their evening meal and Shane was given a pass from school to accompany his team mates for the evening.

Sunday again was an eventful day. The swimmers again put on a good performance, PBs were recorded and medals won (Wilson 2 x 3rd Juniors, Conor 2 x 2nd Juniors, Shane 1st Junior and Niamh 3rd Senior).

At the end of the championships, with 10 medals and 28 PBs out of 42 swims the squad left Millfield on a high. It was a mad dash to the airport to catch the flight back to Belfast and there was only just time for quick bite to eat before the flight was called. Exhausted the team landed at Belfast and it was not long before they would be getting ready for their next training session at 6am on Monday morning.

Congratulations and well done to all!!