Athlone swimmers impress in Nationals and in Swansea

Fourteen Athlone swimmers took to the water for the 2023 Long Course National Championships, which took place at the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.

In Junior final action was 14-year-old Jane Ryan who put in a fantastic swim in the 50 metres breaststroke breaking a club record with a very fast time of 35.72 seconds. Jane, who represented Connacht at a recent competition in Swansea, was also in record breaking form at this meet, with a very quick time of 2.49.44 in the 200 metres breaststroke for 15-year-olds.

At the Long Course Nationals, Jane also swam in the Junior final in the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke final and will no doubt make a big impression at Senior level in the coming years.

Darragh Rusk, Lucia Ross, and Leah Connell all put in some impressive performances with the trio all making B Finals in their chosen events.

Kyle Fagan, Mark Rockett, Andrew Henson, Tom O’Rourke, Christian O’Brien, Nicola Brennan, Freddie Moro, Sasha Coleman and youngest competitor, 13-year-old Amelie Henson, all swam impressive personal best swims and will no doubt continue to move up the rankings going into the 2023/2024 season.

Congratulations also to Kyle Fagan and Leah Connell, who represented Connacht at a major competition in Swansea, and swam some impressive swims with Leah bringing home a silver medal in the girls 200 metres breaststroke for 15-year-olds.

A delighted Jane Ryan, also representing Connacht in Swansea, brought home a huge haul of medals finishing second in the 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres breaststroke.

Well done to all involved and it was fantastic to see so many young swimmers qualifying for a Senior National competition. Athlone Swimming Club looks forward to its training camp abroad in Mallorca in June and preparations will be well underway for the forthcoming Summer Nationals.