Commonwealth silver medalist Lauren hosts ‘Swim Clinic’ at Oldham Leisure Centre

Oldham Aquatics Swimming Club welcomed Commonwealth silver medalist Lauren Quigley to Oldham Leisure Centre for a specialist ‘Swim Clinic’.

The session included an hour-long presentation with Q&A, as well as a training in the pool to practice starts and turns.

The clinic, funded by local business, Garretts Solicitors, was well attended by Oldham Aquatic members, as well as swimmers from nearby swimming clubs.

Lauren, originally from Stockport, is a competitive swimmer who has represented Great Britain at the FINA World Championships and England in the Commonwealth Games.

She competed primarily in backstroke and freestyle events.

At the 2014 Commonwealth Games she won three silver medals in 50-metre backstroke, 4x100-metre freestyle relay and 4x100-metre medley relay.

Rob Crossman, Chair of Oldham Aquatics, said: “We loved Lauren’s specialist ‘Swim Clinic’ and all attendees came away inspired and encouraged.

"To have a successful elite swimmer providing both practical and technical guidance really motivated our swimmers and hopefully opened their eyes to the possibilities.

"We all learnt something new and we are very grateful to Garrett Solicitors, who made this possible.”

Oldham Aquatics is a welcoming and friendly swimming club, with members aged from nine years old through to master adult swimmers.

As well as regular training sessions at Active Oldham’s pools, the club attends regular galas, particularly around the North of England.

Mr Crossman added: “We are passionate about swimming and the club is like family, offering a safe and positive environment to improve your swimming skills, as well as providing mentorship and gaining friendships.

"The club has coached some fantastic world class swimmers, including Jessica Fullalove who represented Team GB in the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.”

Simon Blair, Business Development Manager at Oldham Active, said: “We have an excellent swimming pathway in Oldham.

"We currently teach 4,500 children to swim each week and have the connections to feed children with ability and enthusiasm in to four swimming clubs in borough (Chadderton, Oldham Seals, ORCA and Saddleworth).

"From clubs, the next step for talented swimmers who have the desire to swim more, is to join Oldham Aquatics, which is the borough’s elite performance squad.

"We are delighted to support Oldham Aquatics through the use of our pools and our coaches and we’d love to see a future world champion originating from Oldham Aquatics!”

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