By Jenny Czerniakiewicz
Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the world. Scotland has produced incredible swimmers such as Kirsty Balfour and Caitlin McClatchey. Mairi Loynd, second year, is one of many swimmers in Fortrose Academy.
It was interesting to find out about her view on competitive swimming.
Mairi started swimming with the Shetland Amateur Swimming Club when she was seven years old. She started swimming lessons with her friend, when they got better they were invited to the swimming club.
Now Mairi has been doing competitive swimming for years, and is moving up the ranks of the Inverness Swimming Club. But it’s not the medals that matter for her; she works towards her personal bests.
Mairi said, ‘My goal for swimming is to carry on having fun. I want to enjoy the sport as well as improving my technique and getting PBs.’
For her, the enjoyable parts of swimming are the most important ones. While others are stressing about beating others at competitions, Mairi is supporting her friends and having fun.
Mairi Loynd trains three times a week with her week and has one session of ‘land training’. Land training consists of stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles specific to swimming.
Loynd said, ‘Land training has made me stronger and faster at swimming, it really makes a difference.’
Inverness Amateur Swimming Club has a positive training scheme that encourages young swimmers to do well. The club is divided into three squads based on strength and ability. Mairi said that joining a swimming club takes a lot of work. She likes the coaches and has made lots of friends at the pool.
Mairi also said, ‘My favourite part about swimming is when I’m finished. It makes me feel really great knowing that this sport keeps me so fit and healthy but I still enjoy it.’
So how do you get into competitive swimming?
Anyone that is interested in joining must have a good technique, a commitment to learning and a positive attitude. Anyone joining the entry level team is assessed by one of the coaches, and given a place accordingly.
In this year’s Ross-Shire schools swimming competition Mairi was entered into the 3rd year race. She said, “I didn’t expect success.” Mairi obviously underestimated her talent, because she soared above the rest, walking out the door with a gold and two silver medals!
Hopefully this article has opened up a new world to you, the world of swimming and success. Hard work equals success and enjoyment… Mairi certainly thinks so anyway!
Mairi started swimming with the Shetland Amateur Swimming Club when she was seven years old. She started swimming lessons with her friend, when they got better they were invited to the swimming club.
Now Mairi has been doing competitive swimming for years, and is moving up the ranks of the Inverness Swimming Club. But it’s not the medals that matter for her; she works towards her personal bests.
Mairi said, ‘My goal for swimming is to carry on having fun. I want to enjoy the sport as well as improving my technique and getting PBs.’
For her, the enjoyable parts of swimming are the most important ones. While others are stressing about beating others at competitions, Mairi is supporting her friends and having fun.
Mairi Loynd trains three times a week with her week and has one session of ‘land training’. Land training consists of stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles specific to swimming.
Loynd said, ‘Land training has made me stronger and faster at swimming, it really makes a difference.’
Inverness Amateur Swimming Club has a positive training scheme that encourages young swimmers to do well. The club is divided into three squads based on strength and ability. Mairi said that joining a swimming club takes a lot of work. She likes the coaches and has made lots of friends at the pool.
Mairi also said, ‘My favourite part about swimming is when I’m finished. It makes me feel really great knowing that this sport keeps me so fit and healthy but I still enjoy it.’
So how do you get into competitive swimming?
Anyone that is interested in joining must have a good technique, a commitment to learning and a positive attitude. Anyone joining the entry level team is assessed by one of the coaches, and given a place accordingly.
In this year’s Ross-Shire schools swimming competition Mairi was entered into the 3rd year race. She said, “I didn’t expect success.” Mairi obviously underestimated her talent, because she soared above the rest, walking out the door with a gold and two silver medals!
Hopefully this article has opened up a new world to you, the world of swimming and success. Hard work equals success and enjoyment… Mairi certainly thinks so anyway!