Falkirk Otter swimmers celebrate another successful year at annual awards night

The swimmers, coaches and families celebrated a successful year where the Otter’s returned to a full competition year following covid, raised over £5000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust and produced many memorable swims culminating in the Otter’s winning the Forth Valley Junior League and the JAGS meet.

It was also a night where the voluntary service of long-time coaches Eleanor McGlashan and Eric Adams were recognised with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Eleanor and Eric have volunteered at the club for a combined 70 years with Eleanor now coaching the children of parents that she coached at the beginning of her journey with the club.

The club, like many others, rely on volunteers, and are eternally grateful to the long-term support that both have provided throughout the years.

The trophy winners of 2022 were as follows; 9 years & under Girl: Lily Taylor, 10 years Girl: Isla MacLeod, 10 years boy: Edward Watson, 11-12 years Girl: Orla Campbell, 11-12 years Boy: Zachary Dormer & Ruaraidh Stevenson, 13-14 years Girl: Emma Silcock, 13-14 years Boy: Arjun Burrow, 15 years & over Girl: Zoe Crawford, 15 years & over Boy: Bradley Jack, Girls Sprint Champion: Zoe Crawford, Boys Sprint Champion: Finlay Byrne, Biggest Club Champs Record Girl: Lily Taylor, Boy: Finlay Byrne, Tom Bole Developer of the Year: Isla MacLeod, Endeavour Cup: Amira Sedik & Daniil Olenych, Founders Cup: Zoe Crawford, Presidents Cup: Emma Silcock & Zoe Crawford.

Otter swimmers Zoe Crawford and Lexine McCappin represented FIRST at the renowned Edinburgh International Swim event at the weekend. Both swimmers swam well at an extremely competitive meet that attracted the likes of Olympic gold medallists Duncan Scott, Adam Peaty and Tom Dean.

The Otter’s will be well represented this coming weekend as they hold their own Falkirk Otter Development and Age Group meet at Grangemouth Sports Complex. Over 500 swimmers from across the country will compete at the annual gala which has been held since 1950. This will provide an excellent opportunity for swimmers at all levels within the club to gain valuable racing experience.