SCOTTISH swimmers broke records and won medals at the British Championships held in Sheffield over the weekend.
Stirling University graduate Keanna MacInnes brought home the gold in the women’s 100-metre butterfly while also breaking the Scottish record in the category.
Her time of 57.97 seconds marks the first time that a Scottish women has swam under 58 seconds in the event.
Speaking after her victory, MacInnes said: “It’s very exciting. After being third in the 200 I was a little disappointed but coming back in the 100 was my aim after that, so I’m really pleased. Going sub-58 is really good for me.
“I learnt at the Edinburgh International that if I focus too much on the girls around then I can tense up a bit and put too much energy into the first 50. I just focused on swimming my own race.”
READ MORE: World Men's Curling Championship: Scotland brings home gold medal
Kara Hanlon also won gold in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke with a time of 1:06:83 – just fractionally outside her own Scottish record.
Duncan Scott, who won four Olympic medals during the Tokyo games, was just out of medal contention in the 200-metre freestyle but walks away from the championships with two times which allow him to be considered for the World Championships.
18-year-old Scot Katie Shanahan also managed to hit the qualifying time standard in the 200-metre individual medley. She will now be considered for a spot in the UK team at the upcoming World Championship.
Speaking of the performances over the course of the week, National Coach Ian Wright said: “This has been an excellent British Championships for Scottish swimmers. We’ve witnessed some great racing and quality performances across the board.
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar calls Scottish Labour ‘election ready’ as he revamps team
"From promising junior swimmers such as Dean Fearn, Evan Davidson and Matthew Ward to Scottish senior record breaking performances from Keanna MacInnes, Archie Goodburn, Gregor Swinney, Kara Hanlon and Katie Shanahan, as well as World Championship consideration times from Duncan Scott and Katie.
“The athletes can be proud of the way they have stepped up positively, which of course is undeniably a consequence of their unwavering commitment and drive to succeed. But we must also congratulate the coaches who’ve guided the swimmers to these new heights. Their own passion, drive to succeed and the guidance they provide, establishes the right platform for the athletes to become successful.
“We now look forward to more of the same in Aberdeen next week at the Scottish National Age Group Championships, and keep our fingers crossed for multiple Scottish athletes to feature in international teams later this summer.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel