Olympic medallist thrills Mid Argyll swimmers
IT WAS an occasion the young swimmers will never forget as an Olympian came to town.
Mid Argyll Dolphins Swimming Club welcomed Robbie Renwick to Mid Argyll Community Pool recently where the former Scottish and Great Britain international swimmer gave an inspiring talk to the young members before offering some tips in the water. Robbie was just 16 when he travelled with the Scotland team to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Four years later, he was Commonwealth champion in the 200m freestyle when the event was held in Delhi.
He went on to win World Championship gold with the GB relay team in 2015 and silver, again in the relay, at the Rio Olympic Games.
The 29-year-old explained what it took him to reach the top in his sport. He said: ‘I did 10 two-and-a-half-hour sessions every week, plus spending time in the gym.
‘But I enjoyed the hard work. Even then, though, I always made sure I had fun every day.’
He talked about the importance of eating correctly but not denying yourself the odd treat now and again to avoid bingeing on sweets and other less-than-nutritious foods.
And, above all, he told the young Mid Argyll swimmers, it is essential to focus on technique, because that is what makes the difference between good and great swimmers.
The event was sponsored by Julia and Alan Young of Cooke Aquaculture (Scotland) and supported by Mid Argyll Dolphins sponsor, Landcatch.