Future looking bright for Wick swimmers after delayed annual gala
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Wick Amateur Swimming Club's delayed annual gala marked a return to competitive action after a turbulent year-and-a-half.
The gala traditionally takes place at the end of the season in the summer months but had to be postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak.
Club chairperson Vicky Mackay said: "We were delighted that the event was able to go ahead."
Forty-eight swimmers, ranging in age from from eight to 16, took part in an evening of competitive swimming in freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke as well as an individual medley of all strokes, finishing up with a cannonball freestyle relay across all six lanes with eight swimmers in each team.
Six club records were broken on the night. John Mackay was responsible for three of them – in fly, freestyle and individual medley.
Eva Robertson broke the club breaststroke and individual medley record that had been held by Shannon Mackenzie for 12 years, while Nebi Senguler set a new club record in the 10-11 freestyle.
Glenn Miller earned three trophies for his swimming in the 12-13 age group, taking the overall, individual medley and club's most improved. Many other personal best times were achieved on the night and for some it was the first time competing.
A gala presentation was held after at Mackays Hotel.
Overall winners:
Eight to nine – Girls overall: Lacey Hutton. IM: Eva Forbes. Boys overall and IM: Alex Richard.
Ten to 11 years – Girls overall and IM: Eva Robertson. Boys overall and IM: Nebi Senguler.
Twelve to 13 years – Girls overall and IM: Carla Edwards. Boys overall and IM: Glenn Miller.
Fourteen and over – Girls overall and IM: Joanna Gunn. Boys overall and IM: John Mackay.
Trophy for most improved: Glenn Miller.
The two new club captains, Chester Henry and Joanna Gunn, were appointed on the night. These older swimmers lead the way in helping at the club, both in and out of the pool.
Vicky added: "Wick Amateur Swimming Club would like to thank everyone who has supported the club over the last few years. We had a really healthy intake of younger swimmers in August who replaced the older swimmers that stopped swimming during the pandemic.
"We currently have a waiting list for swimmers to join, once they have completed their level six, which will hopefully open up in February 2022.
"After a rocky time for swimming, the future of the club is looking bright.”
