SNAGS Round Up
The Scottish National & Open Age Group Swimming Championships (SNAGS) is always one of the highlights of the Scottish swimming calendar every year and this year was no exception. Throughout the year, swimmers strive to achieve SNAGS qualifying times so that they can attend the prestigious finals week.
At various events during the year, swimmers from REN96 - Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire’s largest swimming club - staked their claims on places in the finals, but cemented their claims with outstanding performances at the club’s 2 day ‘Pre-SNAGS’ competition held at the On-x in Linwood.
What a weekend of swimming it was - a real team effort from parents, volunteer Technical Officials, coaches and swimmers all helping to make REN96’s premier home meet of the year a great success. Over the weekend, 60 REN96 swimmers set 194 personal best times (PBs) out of 250 swims - an impressive 76% strike rate - and many more swimmers made SNAGS qualifying and consideration times. On top of this, against tough competition from the 20 clubs who took part, the team picked up an amazing 30 gold medals, 20 silver medals and 19 bronze medals. This was a great lead up to the SNAGS final week.
This year’s SNAGS finals week was held in Aberdeen, with over 1000 young athletes from 93 clubs based there for 5 days of intense competition. The ‘Lesterose Scotland’ sponsored REN96 team had 31 swimmers, from 11 to 18 year olds, taking part and they did the club proud, not just with their performances but also with their commitment and support and respect for other swimmers.
On the way to achieving 81 PBs, and achieving many top-10 finishes, REN96 swimmers won an outstanding 10 National Titles! Heading the title and gold medal winners was Rhys, with an incredible 6 titles, and great performances from Jack H secured him 3 titles with Charlie also taking a top spot on the podium, as well as a silver and a bronze medal. Charlotte dug deep and added another silver medal and the boys 11-13 years old relay team added another 2 bronze medals. Rhys also brought home the ‘Sharp’ Award for top 11-13 boy for his title winning performance in the 200m Individual Medley. Over the 5 days, REN96 swimmers performed superbly and the team finished 12th overall out of the 93 teams that took part - well done REN96!
Across 5 days of highly competitive swimming, and events ranging from 50m to 1500m REN96’s strength in being able to adapt and perform across many disciplines shone through. Events and performances like this wouldn’t be possible without lots of support and REN96’s swimmers give big thanks to coaches Ross, Alan, Heather and Rheanna, as well as to their incredible Team Manager Lindsay (who was on poolside every day!), to Paul and Calum who volunteered as Technical Officials and not forgetting the amazing family support in the spectator camp! They also thank their fantastic sponsor ‘Lesterose Scotland’ for their very generous support.
