SDS Junior Swim Championships for swimmers with a learning disability, 21.11.2018, Tollcross ISC.
Records tumbled at the 41st Junior SDS Swim Championships. This event traditionally concludes the SDS annual calendar of events and provides a fantastic platform for celebrating the youngsters involved in swimming in schools, clubs and sessions around SDS branches and regions.
It is incredible to see the continual advancement of swimmers who have been attending these championships for years. One such swimmer, Louis Lawlor had a day to remember as he secured no fewer than 4 Championship Records (CR) in the 100m free and the 50m Back, 50m Breast & 50m Fly events. This event has witnessed some compelling rivalries through the years and West of Scotland’s Lawlor versus Tayside’s Jack Milne was every bit as riveting as anything we had seen before. These two swimmers are swimming faster than any other S14 junior has done at these championships and when that roster includes Scott Quin, Craig Rodgie and Conner Morrison then you know it’s fast! Whilst Jack had to settle for second place in 4 out of 5 events, he did hang on to one CR in the 100m IM and secured his one gold medal of the day. Grampian’s Matthew Scott was in hot pursuit and completed the podium positions in all events. Louis, of course, won the title of Best Male Swimmer at the 2018 Championships ahead of Jack, 2017’s winner.
On the female side Highland’s Tammy Neef swept the board with the full complement of wins. She currently shares the CRs with Perth’s Reagan Doig but was not able to claim any more as she swam just outside these tines today. Nonetheless, it was more than enough to take the title of Best Female Swimmer. Tayside’s Taylor McKenzie and Grampian’s Lucy Thomas also had an excellent Championships and had several podium appearances.
This event attracts upwards of 300 swimmers consistently and provides a fitting end to the competition calendar for SDS. SDS are hugely grateful to all swimmers, coaches, parents and Team Managers for their efforts in getting to these Championships. It is a full day in a warm pool, however, is a real celebration of the depth of swimming talent throughout the country. Continuing to attract swimmers into the competition structure locally is of paramount importance to strengthen the competition structure and pathway to these national competitions to ensure the sport continues in rude health.
Congratulations to all competitors for their efforts and well done to those who travelled back to their respective areas with medals. SDS look forward to seeing everyone in 2019 at the next Championships.