YOUNG members of Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club competed in the first round of the 2019 West District Long Course age group championships at Tollcross International Swimming Centre recently.

For three of the swimmers – Abey Hennessey, Alice Cumming and Owen Lyell – the event marked their first time competing at regional level, and for Owen it was his first time competing at an external event.

All three took the pressure in their stride returning strong performances.

Alice Cumming monopolised the medals, securing a silver and bronze, but strong performances were returned by the rest of the team, with personal best times (PBs) secured in more than half of the events entered.

Alice, swimming in the 11 year age group, competed in five events, securing places in three finals, and achieved PBs in three events.

She secured her first medal in the 100m butterfly after ensuring her spot in the final by finishing second in the heats.

Despite improving on her heat time, Alice was just pipped at the post in the race for the silver medal, but a bronze and a PB of 4min 14sec was still rich reward for a great swim.

Alice secured her second medal in the 400m freestyle, taking silver with a second place finish and chopping a massive 13.99 seconds off her personal best time.

She just missed out on a third medal after finishing a strong fourth in the 100m breaststroke, and completed her day with fifth place in the 100m freestyle final and 11th in the 100m backstroke – a fantastic performance, especially on her regional debut.

Abey Hennessey, also competing in the 11 year age group, swam very strongly in the 100m breaststroke, taking 27th place, while Owen Lyell swam very well in the 100m freestyle in the 11 year age group, securing 14th place and a strong 6.92-second improvement on his PB.

Louisa Brown was 20th in the 100m breaststroke in the 14 year age group, while William Peace, also swimming in the 14 year age group, competed in the 100m butterfly and the 100m breaststroke securing 19th and 26th places respectively and a very impressive 4.97sec PB in the butterfly.

Michael Payne swimming in the same age group secured 27th place in the 100m backstroke.

If you are interested in joining the swimming club please visit the ‘contact us’ page at helensburghasc.co.uk.