Last weekend saw the Lloyds TSB Distance Championships held at the NSC Douglas writes Phil Salmon.
This was the first weekend of the 2003 Championships with 100 metre individual medley at all ages and 10/11 year old 200m freestyle, 12/13 year old 400m freestyle, 14/15 year old boys and girls along with the ladies over 16, 800m freestyle. The men's 16 and over 1,500m freestyle will also be held. With the NatWest Island games in this year the Association made an exception and allowed 14-year-old Niall Shimmin and 15-year-old Nigel Halsall to take part in this event. Full results and report in next week's column.
The ladies taking part in the 800m freestyle will be swimming for the Isle of Man Swimming Association Distance trophy which dates back to 1968. It made interesting reading with the first winner being a Miss J. Sofio. There are many other recognisable names engraved on this trophy with the likes of Suzanne Brown, Gabrielle Henrard, Leonie Cooil and Gemma Richards, who have all represented the Island at past Island games to a very high standard. I would be very interested in hearing from previous winners of any of the Island Championship trophies or any bay swims - swimming nostalgia could make very interesting reading!
At present we are trying to make use of the trophy cabinet on NSC balcony donated in memory of Mary Cooil, who gave so much time to Manx swimming. We are looking for old photographs, club costumes, programmes or any memorabilia relating to swimming. The cabinet is locked and as old photographs and memorabilia obviously have sentimental value we will ensure that they can be returned after a period of time.
This Saturday see the Southern Swimming Club fund-raising event 'Night at the Races' at the Port St Mary Yacht Club. Tickets are available from Ian Harrop or Ann Hartley. If you are unable to attend but would like to be an owner/trainer or jockey contact Ian directly.
Off-Island meet. It is hoped to take a team from the Island squads, A, B and C to a graded meet in Leeds on the weekend of Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Early notice to keep the dates free. More information to follow.
Don't forget any birthday celebrations can be emailed for inclusion in this column along with any poolside news.
