End of Season Review

The recent Scottish Summer Meet at Aberdeen Aquatics Centre drew a line for Ythan ASC under the 2021-22 season. Despite slowly getting back to 'normal' towards the end of the season, with masks, testing and distancing no longer a thing, it was always still hingin' aboot for much of the year!

We started the season still concerned about pool time, nervous about falling numbers, worried we might never get back to proper training or competition, but things started with a huge positive - being chosen as 3rd place club in Scottish Swimming's Club of the Year!

From there until the end of 2021, meets slowly filtered back - mini meets, District meets, the new National Leagues competition, and our own Club Champs - swimmers, coaches and officials were definitely getting back into the swing of things, still without spectators, but there was a distinct 'light at the end of the tunnel' feel about things.

All swimmers in the club continued to make good progress, and our competitive ones continued to make waves at every meet attended, allaying most fears we had at the start of the season.

Just as we turned the year, and gearing up for an attack on the long course season, we were dealt a huge blow with news that our pool in Ellon was to close for urgent repairs. This resulted in 10 weeks of limited training, with the help of the kind folks at Westhill, Bridge of Don, Peterhead and Inverurie, and the miles of traveling involved. Swimmers coped brilliantly, and continued to develop and perform well despite the far-from-ideal circumstances.

With more success at mini and graded meets, plus a great showing at Districts, the long, tough season culminated with SNAGS, the Scottish Open and Summer Meet., where we attended in record numbers, securing medals, finals and PBs, seeing out the season in style.

Swimmers also had a great time at our summer fun night, which was a brilliant way to sign off, bringing everyone from all squads together for an evening of relays and games.

Well done and big thanks to all at Ythan who continue to support the club in what ever way they can. Here's to a successful 2022-23 season!