Lanark swimmers in the medals as Evi Mackie claims prestigious prize

Lanark Amateur Swimming Club are celebrating after they claimed an impressive medal haul at the West District Championship and one of their members made history by picking up a prestigious award.

Earlier this month, Lanark ASC’s Evi Mackie, 15, was this year’s recipient of the West District Swimming Association’s Jessie Wallace Memorial Trophy.

This is awarded annually to the most promising female swimmer in the West District.

And delighted coach Karen Kelly commented: “The West District covers a vast area and compromises approximately 50 clubs, encompassing Lanarkshire,Glasgow, Central Scotland and down as far as Dumfries.

“This is the first time a Lanark swimmer has won this award and Evi fully deserves it.

“She is fully committed in training and has a great work ethic. Lanark ASC are very proud of her achievements.”

Following that, Evi joined her club-mates at the Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex in Bellshill to compete at the West District Championships.

The club enjoyed a successful meet winning nine gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

In the 11/12 age group, Emily Taylor won the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle and won silver in both the 100m backstroke and 100m IM.

Evi went through the card winning five gold; butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and IM.

In the 16 years age group, Katie Towers won the 100m fly and was third in the 100 breaststroke.

Craig Shaw struck gold in the 100m breaststroke and was 4th in the 100m IM.

The 13/15 years 4 x 50m free relay of Clara McMahon, Evi Mackie, Lucy Taylor and Orlaith Jeffrey finished fourth.

Meanwhile, popular coach Ainslie Ashwell-Wright was in action at Glenrothes in the Scottish Masters Meet.

This was Ainslie’s first competition in almost 10 years and she