Commonwealth swimmers make a splash

A STRONG and dedicated group of swimmers, from the local Seagulls Swimming Club, did the nation proud when they competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year and raked in a host of medals.

Local 23-year-old swimming enthusiast, Leith Shankland, raked in two medals at the Commonwealth Games this year.

Swimming competitively since he was nine, his most recent achievements were when he swam in Shanghai in 2011, the Olympic Games in 2012 and this year’s Games.

He took part in the 4x100m freestyle (silver), the 100m freestyle and the 4x100m medley (bronze).

“Going through to the Games this year really meant a lot to me as I was chosen for the South African team back in 2010, but was cut,” said Leith.

The 23-year-old said he enjoyed being overseas as he had family there and the team spirit from South Africa was a driving force for him.

“My main goal is do some real damage in Rio and bring home a few medals,” said Leith.

Eighteen-year-old Calvyn Justus, who competed in his first Games, said he was nervous to compete as his first race was individual.

“It was a motivation to be around my team mates and they really helped me to be stand up and try and be the best that I could be,” said Calvyn.

He competed in the 200m individual freestyle, the 200m freestyle medley (bronze) and the 100m freestyle relay (silver).

“I am very patriotic, so when I put on my cap with the South African flag I was no longer just swimming for me, but for my friends, family and the rest of South Africa,” said Calvyn.

Myles Brown and Erin Gallagher said they were both extremely lucky to have been chosen to represent team South Africa in this year’s Commonwealth Games.

No newbie to international swimming, 22-year-old, Myles Brown, competed in the World Short Course in 2012 and the World Long Course in 2013.

The races he took part in at the Games this year were the 400m freestyle, the 4x200m freestyle relay (bronze) and the 1500m freestyle.

“It was a really good experience but I can’t deny that I am slightly disappointed with my overall performance.

“I just need to learn on relaxing a bit more before the races as I get really nervous,” he said.

Myles has set his eyes on making the South African team for the World Short Course event.

“I would just like to thank my coach, Graham Hill, my friends and my family for their continuous support,” said Myles.

Erin, who has been swimming competitively for three years swam in the 100m freestyle relay, the 200m freestyle relay, the medley relay and the individual 100m freestyle.

“It was an amazing and mind-blowing experience. There are no real words to describe how I actually felt,” said Erin.

She said that even though she did not win any medals, she is determined to make up for it by pushing herself in the SA short course to qualify for the World Short Course at the end of the year.

“I am going to aim to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games, as well as the next two after that,” said Erin.

Competing in his first Games, Clayton Jimmie, returned to South Africa with two medals.

“I want this to be my career and to continuously improve, with my next main goal being to compete in Rio and the next few games after that,” said Clayton.

He competed in the 100m freestyle, the 4x100m freestyle (silver) and the 4x100m medley relay (bronze).

“It was a really great experience and I learnt a lot as I was competing against world-class swimmers and it was very valuable to my swimming,” said Clayton.