The new Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, Councillor Janet Wyer, was guest of honour at the annual Fishguard Flyers' Swimming Club Championships.

Councillor's Wyer’s presence at the club gala and awards on Sunday, July 16, was especially poignant because she was instrumental in setting up Fishguard Flyers in 1999.

The gala was a huge success, with an afternoon of racing followed by a presentation to recognise the achievements of some of its young swimmers.

Mayor Wyer shared some memories of how the club had changed since she founded it, adding: “I was thrilled to be asked to come today. Keep up the good work, you are all doing great.” 

The new mayor also donated two special trophies for the event. The first was for Best Personal Achievement, which was presented to Zachariah Owen, 9. The young Flyer was chosen for his stunning success at this year’s Urdd National Gala in Cardiff, where he grabbed bronze in the final.

A second trophy - the Fishguard Flyers Wyer Cup Special Ambassador Award - was handed to 18-year-old Carys Thomas. Until recently, Carys was a member of the Pembrokeshire County Swimming performance squad and is looking forward to heading off to University. 

Friederike Schmidt, head coach of Fishguard Flyers, said: “Thank you so much to Janet for the kind trophy donations. Zachariah’s achievement was special because he doesn’t race in many galas so to go to Cardiff and come away with bronze was really excellent.

“Carys has been an inspiration for many years, not just racing for Flyers but for Pembrokeshire. She has won medals and raced at regional, Welsh and British Championship level. We are all so proud of her and wish her good luck with whatever she goes on to do.”

The Water Dragons Awards were presented to Dexter West, Chloe Thomas, James Stark and Hafwen Rees, recognising improvements among some of the club’s youngest swimmers. The Coaches Award went to Eva Banks and Gabriel Bingham, and a Best Squad Award was handed to the club’s Development 2 and 3 swimmers.

Before the presentation, the gala saw almost 40 of the club’s members battle to win Pentathlon awards, which included swimming all four strokes plus an Individual Medley, which incorporates all strokes in one race.

The Pentathlon winners were Sammy Montgomery (boys 8-10 years); Hans Schmidt (11-14); Rhys Davies (15 and over); Victoria Horne (8-9); Georgie Kovachev (10); Kayleigh Reed (11); and Rachael Lewis (12-13).

Friederike Schmidt said: “Well done to everyone who competed and thank you to everyone who helped and donated raffle prizes to make it such a successful event.”