Commonwealth Swimmers at Westhill Invitational
The 12 th Westhill Invitational Swim Meet was a well attended and exciting competition featuring Clubs from as far afield as Thurso to Glasgow (Ren ’96) and Elgin to South Ayrshire.
Commonwealth Games stars Hannah Miley of Garioch and Silver Medallist Robbie Renwick (Cults Otters) added prestige to the event alongside a host of other quality names including Ranald Falconer (Aberdeen Dolphins) and Chris Chasser (Westhill). Chris has been selected to represent GB in the European Junior Championships this summer.
The award for Best Male/Female performer over the weekend went to Craig Spargo of Thurso and Hannah Miley of Garioch respectively whilst the team event was won by Aberdeen Dolphins who held off a strong challenge from host club Westhill. The large crowd also witnessed a Scottish Age Group and North District record from Jenny Sangster (Westhill District) for 800m freestyle plus a North District record, which had previously stood since 1998, in the 100m breaststroke, 6 Meet Records from Hannah MiIey, and 2 more from Sam George of Banchory.
Westhill District enjoyed some outstanding individual performances in all age groups both in terms of medals and significantly improved times, with 41 Medals and countless personal best times recorded. In the 12/13 Age Group, Jenny Sangster was the top performer with 4 Gold medals (200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke) and 11 medals overall, including 3 in the Open events, whilst Sam George picked up 4 medals including Gold in 100m and 200m breaststroke to add to his 2 new meet records. In the 14/15 Age Group, Craig Thomson took 6 medals which included Gold in 100m and 200m breaststroke and 100m backstroke and Michael Caldwell won Gold in the endurance 1500m Open Freestyle. In the 16/Over Age Group, British star Chris Chasser took Gold in three events (200m IM, 800m freestyle, 100m fly) with 7 medals overall whilst Kevin Murison and Graeme MacGregor each took Gold in the 200m Backstroke and 400m IM Open respectively. Westhill’s other Open winner was Laura Murchie in the 50m Breaststroke.
Overall, this 12 th Westhill Invitational Meet was a tremendous showcase of some of the most talented and promising swimmers in the country and an enjoyable experience for swimmers and spectators alike.