Alliance Bridgestone Gala

The Alliance Bridgestone gala held o the 12th & 13th of June in Larne provided some of Ballymena Swimming Club members with new challenges to compete in some of the longer distance events against competitors older than themselves. Ballymena was represented by Chris best (17) David Wilson (14) Clare O’Neill (14) Claudia Mc Kernan (11) Oonagh O’Neill (10) and Suzanna Brown (10).

In the 100m backstroke Chris swam a time of 1:06:51 and won his first silver of the competition. He finished a respectable 6th in his next event the 100m freestyle with a time of 58:56. The 50m backstroke saw Chris swim a fast 30:60 and win his 2nd silver medal.

David Wilson (14) competed in the 400m, 100m and 50m freestyle events. He swam admirably and should be particularly proud of his time of 28:51 in his 50m freestyle.

Clare O’Neill (14) like David was swimming with older swimming and her high points included a 6th in the 100m breast stroke and 7th in the 100m backstroke. Oonagh O’Neill was the only one of the younger swimmers to swim in this. This was her first opportunity for her to test her endurance over longer distances! Oonagh & Suzanna both obtained personal bests in the 50m breaststroke with times of 44:32 & 46:33 respectfully.

Claudia Mc Kernan joined the girls in the 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle events! All 3 coped well with the daunting task of swimming against significantly older swimmers!

The Alliance Bridgestone Gala was the last open gala of the year, coach, Stuart Barker , commented “that apart from providing medals & PBS the gala gave the younger Ballymena swimmers invaluable experience in the longer distance events, demonstrating that their fitness & endurance is improving!”

From back left- Chris Best with 2 silver medals, coach Stuart Barker, David Wilson, Claire Stuart,Oonagh O’Neill, Claudia McKernan and Suzanna Brown.