Swimming: McKenzie’s summer hopes lifted by clean sweep

Charlotte McKenzie (Larbert High School) swept to victory in all three backstroke events at the East District Open Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh.

After what was the perfect start to a busy summer, the 15-year-old – coached by the FIRST club’s Steven Tigg – flew out with clubmates Julie Hunter (Larbert High School) and Rebecca Murray (Braes High School) to the Canet Meet in France. This is part of the Mare Nostrum Series that also includes meets in Barcelona and Monaco. Next month, Charlotte will be competing for Britain at the European Junior Championships in Belgium.

British Junior champion in the 200m backstroke, Charlotte marked the first competition in the newly-refurbished Commonwealth Pool by winning the 200m (2:16.54), 100m (1:03.97) and 500m (29.95).

In all three events, she pipped Kelso High School’s Lucy Hope, who was the top under-16 performer at the Brodies Scottish Schools Championships in January.

“It’s a great pool and really fast,” said Charlotte of the Edinburgh venue that will play host to Team GB’s Olympic holding camp in the middle of next month. “I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks. Hopefully, I can medal at the European Junior Championships.”

Rachael O’Donnell (Inverkeithing High Scool) was another youngster to hit form at an event that was part of the Scottish Grand Prix circuit.

The 15-year-old from the Carnegie Club won the 200m individual medley with a new East junior record of 2:19.33.