Commonwealth hopeful dives into new season

Launching the new swimming season are the club’s 2014 Commonwealth Games contenders and David Thompson from Hillsborough, Steven McQuillan from Bangor (Head Coach) and Ashleigh Hyland from Holywood.

David has just returned from the 2013 US Open where he represented Ireland in 50M, 100M and 200M Freestyle. Ashleigh and Steven are current Irish National Champions in 50M Freestyle and 50M Butterfly respectively.

To add to the list of achievements for Invictus Swimmers over the summer months, Queens University student Laurence McGivern from Newry won an outstanding bronze medal in 100M Backstroke in the IPC swimming Championships in Montreal, with a superb personal best swim, improving on his time from the London 2012 Paralympics. Laurence will be vying for Commonwealth Games selection along with Ashleigh, Steven and David and final team selection will be announced April 2014.

Where Invictus is achieving high level success with its senior swimmers the club is equally committed to the development of younger swimmers.

Head Coach Steven McQuillan commented, “We want the commitment, dedication and success of our senior swimmers to motivate our younger members. We welcome enquiries from new members of all ages and abilities ranging from competitive swimmers to both junior and adult learn to swim.”

At Invictus, swimming is combined with a full strength and conditioning programme in a bespoke gym offering fitness for both competitive swimmers and swim fit. Situated on Belfast’s Grosvenor Road, Invictus currently has limited availability in Academy, Development, Junior and Senior Performance Squads.