Capital sport has another couple of world record holders following the inaugural European ice swimming championships in Oradea, Romania.
For ex-Olympic medallist and 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Dan Wallace there was a record double – in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly to set him up for a solo attempt at an English Channel crossing this summer.
And, in the same 30-34 age category, Dan’s Warrender club-mate Connor Mollison marked his reinvigorated competitive campaign with a world best in the 50m backstroke.
That left Connor fifth overall and for good measure he added bronze in the 100m butterfly while joining with Dan in two medal (bronze) winning relays – the 4 x 50m freestyle and the 4x50m medley.
Other Scots who were part of a 30 strong Team GB were veterans Brian Bain, Euan Stewart and James Leitch.
According to Connor, once a Scotland squad member, breaking into ice swimming this year has sharpened his competitive sporting instincts.
“Coming out of British Championships I felt I had a world record swim in me but with the pool temperature 3 degrees lower than at Cheltenham Lido at 3.8 degrees I had to ensure I did not seize up in the water.
“The next goal for me will be world championships in Italy next year and I’ll try to push up my distances from the sprints I currently compete it.
“I’ve always felt a need to work towards something and I’ll maybe try some Masters events now in giving purpose to the training I do.”
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
