RECORD breaking Inverclyde swimmers have booked more than 100 places in national championships by producing the best performance in their club's entire history.
A total of 19 talented youngsters have secured no fewer than 107 individual entries to events at the Scottish National Age Group (SNAG) Championships.
It represents the most competitive berths ever achieved in the 44 years of Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club's existence.
Club president Clair McArthur said: “Last year was our best ever, but we managed to beat that this year.
“Over the past few years the number of swimmers making nationals has increased, it’s just getting bigger and bigger.
“For the kids going, this could be their first time winning a national medal.”
The team were competing last week at another meeting, at Aberdeen Sports Village.
Their efforts in the Granite City will go towards their rankings, and could potentially help them book a place at the British National meet in July.
The event, which will be held in Sheffield, sees the top 18 swimmers from across the country battle it out.
Claire said the coaching team is delighted with the swimmers' achievements, despite the fact that the Waterfront swimming pool's floor has been broken for almost five years.
This prevents the youngsters from diving at any of their sessions, putting them at a 'massive disadvantage'.
Claire added: “At the moment we are enormously proud of them all getting to the Scottish nationals.
“We have had a few get to the British in the last few years, but as of yet we don’t have a British medal.
“We are really hopeful that we will get one of those one day. Even just getting selected is amazing as a swimmer, and as a club we’re very proud.”
The SNAG team chooses a different Inverclyde location to take their photos every year.
This year, the youngsters chose the Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture. Their coaches said the location was appropriate for their swimmers as the figures are ‘tough and work equally hard’.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here