Banbridge swimmers win over 70 medals

An amazing 28 swimmers from Banbridge ASC participated in the gala. This number is increasing because more of our swimmers are moving up from the Development Galas to the Graded Galas and are progressing well along the Swim Ulster competitive pathway.

One such swimmer is Julia Knox, who had a tremendous first graded gala .She won a gold medal in 100 IM, silver in 100 breaststroke and bronze in 100 freestyle, a brilliant first outing! In addition, this season the Banbridge club has some new swimmers in the performance squads.

The club are delighted that Lee and Nicky Galloway have made the decision to return to swim at Banbridge. They both had superb performances at the gala. Lee took first place in 50fly, 100 fly and 100IM, and 2nd place in 50 back and 100 back. Nicky also had a tremendous 1st gala with Banbridge. He came 1st in 100 back,50 back and 200 back and came second in 100 fly and 100IM.The club is also pleased to have new member, Mikey Mitchell, who won a gold medal in 100 free.

William Pinkerton had a storming first graded gala with a hat trick of gold medals in 100 and 200 breast and also 100 back. Furthermore, he won a bronze medal for his 200 back. Another notable performance in breaststroke was made by Ellie Purdy, who claimed the gold in this event.

Harry Farson put in excellent swims in every event he competed in. achieving gold or silver medals in all but one event. In his 100 back he swam a massive 21.77 pb so well done Harry! Another promising young swimmer, Kate Allenby had a super gala winning four medals. She swam a particularly fine 200 freestyle, winning gold with a 27 second pb, gaining and Irish Division One Qualifying time in the process.

Senior swimmers Cameron McDonald and Megan McKenna came home with medals also. Cameron won gold in100 and 200IM, whist Megan took gold in 50 ,100 and 200 free.

Overall there were an incredible 74 medals won over the weekend in the various age groups, 26 gold,28 silver and 20 bronze.

Many thanks to Davy and Graham for their inspirational coaching and also to the parents who assisted the smooth running of the gala.