McClatchey visit excites local swimmers

SHETLAND’s amateur swimming clubs are looking forward to meeting up with Commonwealth Games double gold medalist Caitlin McClatchey when she visits next week.

During her two-day visit she will lead two pool sessions with the local club’s competitive swimmers, pass on coaching and technique tips, as well as displaying her talent and passion in the sport.

There will also be a public event in the multi-use area of the Clickimin Leisure Centre on Tuesday between 8 and 9pm.

The 27 year old will also visit Bells Brae Primary School and the Anderson High School, on Tuesday, and the junior high schools in Aith and Brae, on Wednesday.

McClatchey made the national headlines when she won the 200 metre and 400 metre freestyle finals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, in Melbourne.

She also competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Her visit to the isles is part of the Shetland summer of sport initiative and the Games for Scotland programme, which promotes the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The council’s active schools coordinator, Sanna Aitken, said: “Swimming is a hugely popular sport in Shetland with several local athletes competing at international level, and hearing Caitlin share her wealth of experience will be inspirational to many of Shetland’s swimmers.”

McClatchey added: “I’m really pleased to hear that Shetland is supporting the Positive Coaching Scotland programme, and really hope that my visit can inspire swimmers from Shetland to reach Commonwealth and Olympic Games of the future.”