Orkney swimmer named triple junior champion at Scottish Championships

An Orkney swimmer is continuing to make a name for herself on the national scene, coming away from the Scottish Swimming Open Championships as a triple junior champion. 

Eve Wood swam her way to success at the Edinburgh meet winning the 50m back, 100m back and 50m fly stroke, setting four new Orkney records in the 100 Free, 50 Free, 100 Back and 50 Fly. She also obtained Scottish North District records in 50 Free and 50 Fly. 

Alfie Price also set new Orkney records in the 50m fly, 100 individual medley, 100m fly and 50m free strokes. 

Eve and Alfie are Performance Development Programme (PDP) athletes – a scheme run through Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and sportscotland. Through the programme support is given to athletes on the performance pathway which includes physical preparation, performance lifestyle support, nutrition support and physio guidance. Eve also receives support through the OIC, sportscotland and Stagecoach supported Athlete Travel Award Scheme to help with travel costs. 

The duo continue to go from strength to strength – and that is down to their hard work and commitment to the sport, according to Orkney Amateur Swimming Club coach Inga Burton. 

She said: “Both swimmers performed very well at the weekend. We also had Kieran Smith representing Orkney having qualified for the first time. Eve and Alfie have been working on a more individualised training programme this year, so it is reassuring to see them continue to develop and perform particularly on the national stage. 

“The continued support from sportscotland, Orkney Islands Council and Stagecoach is hugely valuable to both Alfie and Eve, and other athletes, as well as support through Scottish Swimming. This event is the last of the short course season (25m pools) so they will now be preparing for the long course season (50m pools) which they both enjoy and will be looking forward to that.” 

Eve said: “Previous years I haven’t performed so well in this pool so to come away from this meet as a Scottish National junior champion along with a host of records and personal best times is a good boost for me ahead of the long course season that starts in January. Also having fellow Orcadians and Shetlanders there is great company and support.” 

Alfie added: “There was tough competition, but overall I’m happy with my times and setting more records.” 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: “The Performance Development Programme and ATAS are fantastic initiatives and clearly the support being provided through that, as well as support from the Pickaquoy Centre and the Council’s Sport and Leisure Service, is paying dividends. Congratulations to both swimmers for continuing with what can only be described as a golden year for them!”