Inverclyde Now Logo SWIMMING — Success For Inverclyde ASC Pair In UK Team Contest

11 October, 2018 | Local

INVERCLYDE Amateur Swimming Club (IASC) stars Aimee Watson and Matthew Garrity were part of the Scotland West team which came second in the recent National County Team Championships, just behind Yorkshire –- the best ever result by a Scottish team.

The UK-wide event for regional swimming teams was held in Sheffield, with 36 counties and more than 900 swimmers taking part. The Scotland West team, made up of swimmers from clubs as far afield as Oban and Stranraer, was predicted to finish in 11th place with 332 points. But the coaches and swimmers had other ideas, racking up 431 points and 16 top-10 finishes to secure second place.

Aimee finished fourth in a time of 1.11.86 – a massive 4.21 seconds off her previous best. Matthew swam in a time of 1.06.69 to finish sixth with an impressive 2.84 seconds off his PB. Aimee also swam the 50-metre breaststroke in the 14/15 girls’ medley, securing another fourth place.

IASC head coach Shirley Redford was part of the coaching team for the competition. She said: “The atmosphere poolside was electric and I felt privileged to be part of the Scotland West team. The team ethos and spirit were superb throughout the whole competition. I was especially proud to see our two IASC swimmers showcasing their talent alongside the best young swimmers in Great Britain. They both rose to the occasion and produced amazing performances and great personal bests.”

The selection of the Clydeview Academy pupils came off the back of months of successes from the pair. Both became Scottish champions in their age group in March. Aimee won gold in the 50-metre breaststroke and Matthew in the 200-metre breaststroke. Both then went on to win silver in their 100-metre breaststroke events.

Just a few months later, both competed in the British championships. Aimee came fifth in her age group for the 50-metre breaststroke and Matthew came sixth in the 100-metre breaststroke.

Shirley puts their success down to a mix of natural talent and a lot of hard work and dedication. She said: “Swimmers at the top level of our club train seven days a week, often twice a day, balancing swimming with gym work. We try to make the training as varied as possible to keep the swimmers motivated and challenge their fitness. But to be a top swimmer, there’s just no getting away from those early morning training sessions.

“Several mornings a week, our swimmers are training hard while most people are still fast asleep! Talent will only get you so far -– it’s the commitment to training that really turns potential into success.”

Shirley, Aimee and Matthew are now preparing to fly out to Lanzarote for the club’s annual training camp at the La Santa resort.

Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club is a competitive club based at the Waterfront Leisure Complex in Greenock. It trains around 130 swimmers from ages seven to 18.

Inverclyde ASC

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