A DALE swimmer shocked even herself when she took home three gold medals at this year’s North East England Championships earlier this month.
Caitlyn McLean earned gold in the 50m fly, 100m fly and 200m fly events in the 11-year-old age category during the tournament in Sheffield on November 4 and 5.
She also earned a silver medal in the 100m individual medley.
The Barnard Castle School pupil, who has been swimming since the age of three, said: “It was kind of really shocking – I didn’t know that I could do that because there are a lot of strong fly-swimmers in the region. But then I did it, and I did it with ease, and I really did just shock myself.”
Caitlyn used to be a member of Teesdale Tiger Sharks, but swapped to join Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club (ASC) earlier this year for more specialised training, particularly in her favourite style, the fly.
The club trains at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland, with the young swimmer attending about five days a week.
Her grandfather Mike McLean takes her to morning training sessions between 6.15am and 7.45am on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and evening training between 5pm and 6.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Her proud grandad said: “Her results from the weekend were just phenomenal. We were maybe dreaming of a gold, but not three. There were 61 clubs there and of those clubs 30 didn’t get a medal between them.
“Caitlyn’s club came 14th and for a little club like Wear Valley it is incredible because you have big clubs in cities like Leeds and Sheffield.”
Of her enjoyment of swimming Caitlyn said: “It is the friendship and fun times we have. I have made very good friendships through swimming.”
When not swimming the youngster likes to practise the violin and last year was named the local winner of the Rotary Musician of the Year competition across all age groups.
She also plays hockey for her school, but hopes one day to swim for Team GB at the Olympics.
However, her most immediate challenge will be when she is invited to the national championships, which will take place next summer.
Wear Valley ASC head coach, Paul Armstrong, said: “Caitlyn’s swim technique has notably improved with all the hard work she’s done since she joined in March.
“However, to compete at the highest level, good technique alone is not enough. Grit, determination and the desire to win is an absolute necessity. That can’t be taught; it has to come from the swimmer… and Caitlyn has it in bucket loads.”
