SCOTTISH swimmers broke records and won medals at the British Championships held in Sheffield over the weekend.
Stirling University graduate Keanna MacInnes brought home the gold in the women’s 100-metre butterfly while also breaking the Scottish record in the category.
Her time of 57.97 seconds marks the first time that a Scottish women has swam under 58 seconds in the event.
Speaking after her victory, MacInnes said: “It’s very exciting. After being third in the 200 I was a little disappointed but coming back in the 100 was my aim after that, so I’m really pleased. Going sub-58 is really good for me.
“I learnt at the Edinburgh International that if I focus too much on the girls around then I can tense up a bit and put too much energy into the first 50. I just focused on swimming my own race.”
Kara Hanlon also won gold in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke with a time of 1:06:83 – just fractionally outside her own Scottish record.
Duncan Scott, who won four Olympic medals during the Tokyo games, was just out of medal contention in the 200-metre freestyle but walks away from the championships with two times which allow him to be considered for the World Championships.
18-year-old Scot Katie Shanahan also managed to hit the qualifying time standard in the 200-metre individual medley. She will now be considered for a spot in the UK team at the upcoming World Championship.
Speaking of the performances over the course of the week, National Coach Ian Wright said: “This has been an excellent British Championships for Scottish swimmers. We’ve witnessed some great racing and quality performances across the board.
"From promising junior swimmers such as Dean Fearn, Evan Davidson and Matthew Ward to Scottish senior record breaking performances from Keanna MacInnes, Archie Goodburn, Gregor Swinney, Kara Hanlon and Katie Shanahan, as well as World Championship consideration times from Duncan Scott and Katie.
“The athletes can be proud of the way they have stepped up positively, which of course is undeniably a consequence of their unwavering commitment and drive to succeed. But we must also congratulate the coaches who’ve guided the swimmers to these new heights. Their own passion, drive to succeed and the guidance they provide, establishes the right platform for the athletes to become successful.
“We now look forward to more of the same in Aberdeen next week at the Scottish National Age Group Championships, and keep our fingers crossed for multiple Scottish athletes to feature in international teams later this summer.”
