LOTHIAN LEAGUES ROUND 1 07/03/2020

SWIMMING IS LIKE A SNAKE IT CAN COME BACK AND BITE YOU!

In the morning the young ones swam outstanding with loads of personal bests with outstanding swims from Cambelle, Ellie W. Ellie A, Darcy, Emma, Natalia, and Summer. The split times in one of the relays were fantastic, however, we got disqualified for a too fast changeover enough said as it’s easily done.

Four club records were set in the morning, Summer taking the 200 freestyle record posting 3.04 and as the first 100 of this swim is a counting swim for 100 free she also set a new club record for the 100 clocking 1.27.82. Then came two amazing swims by Ellie W breaking the 50 fly club record posting 41 secs and following up with taking the club record for the 100 IM so well done. It was also nice to see her uncle made it to see her swims and nice to catch up with him as he was coached by me about ten years ago lol.

Yet again the speed and streamlining are a few of the things we are improving on. I have to say the time posted by Emma on her 200 free was amazing as she took 7 seconds off her time which was great.

A word also about Darcy who was heading for a big personal best but her finish was not the best and as soon as she came out the pool she mentioned that she had made an error. She will smash her 50 back time soon of that I have no doubt. Natalia had a fantastic 50 breast stroke swim not only a personal best but also winning the heat she was in. The improvement in her swimming is quite remarkable and she also posted a 39 seconds time in her split in the 4 x 50 freestyle relay so well done.

The afternoon session was slightly disappointing, however both Rachel and Elliot were a bit under the weather and a couple of small errors here and there by Kara and Katy meant that they were either on or just above their personal bests.

Elliot still managed to take the 200 freestyle record posting a creditable time of 2.35. I am not sure what happened in the afternoon other than to say there were many aspects which need worked on and it will all come alright in the end.
What I have noticed is that the starts especially the diving has vastly improved within the club but our turns yet again could be better.

We have had a period of success which has lasted a very long time, certainly longer than we would expect and like a snake who can strike when you least expecting it, swimming shows it’s fangs as a very difficult and brutal sport.

I love coaching especially this team and what interests me the most is the aspects which can be improved once identified. I suppose a bit of a geek that way but if it improves any swimmer then great. I still think some of the training sessions need to be stepped up (I can here a groan with that comment) however you all know it makes sense.

So all in all a mixed day but one which shows how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

The spirit shown is simply amazing as any Scorpion swimmer in the water is cheered on by all who are not swimming in that heat which makes for a pleasant environment and one which enables each swimmer to improve. Well it’s onwards and upwards to the next gala and I am sure that if you listen to what is coached in the training sessions this will enable you to bring those personal best times tumbling down. The club records will be updated by Susan in due course.

Once again we are both super proud of all that took part in this competition.

Colin Galbraith

Headcoach Scorpion Swim Team