A FORMER Port Otters swimmer is making a splash again — after a break of 20 years.

Andrea Gallacher was inspired to take the plunge and return to the club by her six-year-old son Zak.

The six-year-old recently joined the well established swimming club and both he and his mum struck gold at the West of Scotland Regional Championships in Scotstoun Leisure Centre.

Andrea, 36, said: “I was nervous coming back at first but the atmosphere was great.”

The mum-of-two, who has spina bifida, is being coached by her old friend, and paralympic legend, Margaret McEleny.

She said: “I used to swim with Margaret and she asked me if I wanted to go back along.

“The club is just the same as it was 20 years ago. It’s just like a big family and I’m really enjoying being back."

Andrea was a member of the club in her teens but hasn’t taken part at competitive level for two decades.

She proved she still has what it takes after gaining three gold medals — in backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle events.
Not to be outdone Zak, who is autistic and attends Craigmarloch School, bagged a gold medal in the freestyle in only his third gala.

She said: “My mum got me into the Otters. In the water everyone is equal. I couldn’t run fast but I could swim fast. It was something I could do and it helped me to relax. It helped me to build up my confidence.

Andrea and husband James live in Irwin Street and have two sons, Jamie, 11, and Zak.

Andrea said: “Zak just loves the water and would swim seven days a week.

“He thinks it’s pretty cool that his mum is in the club too.”
James, 38, is proud to see his wife back in the pool and winning medals after two decades away.

He said: “It’s quite inspirational, not just for Zak but for other young ones.”

The club trains at Port Baths on Tuesdays between 6-7pm and on Sundays between 2-5pm.