Coaching at Gillespie's club helps George Clough set record

George Clough spearheads the new swimming club at James Gillespie's High School '“ and he underlined his class by setting one of ten records at Brodies Scottish Schools' Championships.

Left to right, Cameron Muir, George Clough and Euan Leslie. Picture: Gary Thomson.

The 18-year-old won the 17-19 years 200m breaststroke in the new mark of 2:22.90 at Dollan Aquatics Centre in East Kilbride, finishing ahead of the Grange Academy duo of Cameron Muir and Euan Leslie.

Gillespie’s is a new school, and the sporting facilities include an indoor swimming pool.

“Kostas Kalitsis, from Warrender, started coaching at the school,” the sixth-year pupil explained. “We started a club and a lot more people turned up than expected. It’s really good.”

Now there are two squad sessions a week. One for the elite performers at Friday lunchtime and another after-school club for improvers run by Swim Easy.

Tom Scott, Gillespie’s Active Schools co-ordinator, is delighted by the success of the project, and the extra use of the Edinburgh school’s four-lane, 25-metre pool. “Gillespie’s is a community sports hub and, as a result, we are very l
ucky to have good links with the Warrender Club,” he 
said.

“There are opportunities for those that want to get better and for the pupils that want to reach a high level and join the performance club.”

For Clough, a member of Warrender, the school club is an extra to his club training and he is ready for a hectic season.

The Edinburgh International Meet at the Royal Commonwealth Pool next month is the next major event.