Club Champs

This year has been the 35th Annual Louth Dolphins Club Championships.  A place where swimmers can be just at the start of their swimming journey to those achieving National Times.  It happens over five sessions, the swimmers compete in a variety of events that range from 50m sprints to the other end of the scale, with those who are brave enough to complete the 800m and 1500m races. The event runs in age groups from the age 9 and under to 16 and over. Every swimmer wants the prestige of getting a medal or even the trophy for the top boy and the top girl of the club. Alongside this it is often the case that club records are broken.

 It is one of the few times of the year when swimmers from all the squads compete at the same time. Many tend to forget that Louth Dolphins is a club that runs solely on volunteers and it takes a small army of these, mainly parents and ex parents of swimmers to let events like this run. I think that all the swimmers of our club are grateful for this.  Also, I am not sure that many of us always appreciate that we have top of the range equipment including blocks that each cost a hefty sum and an amazing pool that we can call our own.  This makes all the swimmers feel at home.

 This year there have been some very close fought races so far with new faces and names making their mark.  The event gives swimmers the opportunity to gain county times, regional times and perhaps even National Times.  It makes sure that every swimmer gives it their all.

 Last year, we had to miss this event, so people have been anticipating who will get awards like the best swimming personality or the best attitude. The swimmers of Louth Dolphins are given these trophies at the presentation evening , which is always held at the town hall in Louth. Although this year we will not be giving out the captain positions as we already did this at sportsmans week.  The evening is a chance for the swimmers to wash off the chlorine get dressed up and for them and their parents to let their hair down.  I do wonder where the awards will go this year with there being so many great achievements from all swimmers so far.