August marks the end of Oswestry Otters Swimming club 2017-2018 macrocycle.

The club embarked on employing its first ever paid head coach (Timothy Hastie) in October 2017.

Tim Hastie commented, “It was a delight to have the opportunity to return back to Shropshire to coach in an area which first sparked my coaching career.”

Prior to Oswestry, Tim coached with Ellesmere College Titans for 3 years then moved to be Head Coach at Wombourne Swimming Club.

Since his arrival, Oswestry Otters has seen many changes, most notably introducing a five day training schedule for all of its members, to the club becoming a registered charity status.

Over the last 10 months not only has the club seen swimmers represent in local events, such as; the Shropshire County and West Midland Championships, but the club has also had individuals who have gone onwards to international Development camps and represent both the West Midland and Swim Wales Teams.

“We have been so inspired and proud of our members this year, in particular the club spirit has been shown by Morgan Jones who competed at the British Swimming Championships in Edinburgh in March and Tom Piggott who went to the British Para-Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

We also super succeeded expectations at this years Home Nationals in Wales – Swansea.

It was a long 7 days of events with about 75 hours of swimming, nevertheless we saw 15 finalist from Shropshire members. A total of 9 medals were achieved – 7 Golds for team Otters and 1 silver and bronze for the other Shropshire club members in attendance.”

Tim concluded: “Although this season is over, our vision and goals are always at the forefront of our minds for the upcoming swimming season. The Club has invested in new equipment to help build up an injury prevention and strength and conditioning program in addition to providing funds towards a new backstroke starting wedge, which will help with the future development of all of our swimmers.

The club also provides Master swimming sessions regularly on Thursday evening from 7pm – 9pm. Oswestry Otters are always in need of sponsorship aid to continue to build and provide a better program for it current and future members – For further information and the latest news check out their website at www.oswestryotters.org.uk.

  • Pic 1- With single male is Tom Piggott (Para-Swimmer) with 6 Gold Medals from the Welsh National Swimming Championship
  • Pic 2- With two males is Morgan Jones in red (on Left) with his 50m Backstroke Welsh Champion Gold Medal and in the black shirt (on right) Head Coach Timothy Hastie.