Podium treble for Hyland in Edinburgh

BRENDAN Hyland has every reason to feel confident ahead of next month’s Irish National Swimming Champion-ships after his performances in last weekend’s Edinburgh International.

The Tallaght competitor registered his fourth fastest time in the 200m Butterfly when he clocked 1.59 on his way to gold.

This was followed up with a new personal best of 53.47 in the 100m Butterfly as he looks to re-capture the national record that was taken from him by Conor Brines at last month’s Dave McCullagh/Swim Ulster International in which the Larne swimmer came home in 53.34.

“I love a good race and that’s the kind of challenge that gets me going” remarked Hyland on his bid to reclaim the national best. 

“In the end, it’s good for us both because it pushes us both on. That’s what we need.”

Hyland completed a hugely successful outing in Scotland with bronze in the 200m Freestyle.

It leaves him on a sound footing for the upcoming Irish Nationals in which he will contest both the 200m Freestyle and 200m Fly on the opening day.

In addition to that he will line out in the 100m Butterfly as well as the 100m Freestyle, with one eye on a possible cut for an Irish relay team that will contest the World University Games in Taipei in August.

Pleased with his form so far this year, Hyland told The Echo “I’ve got a lot stronger from the bit of work I’m doing in the gym and I can see that myself.

“But mentally I’m enjoying my swimming a lot more. I kept a lighter load [heading into the Edinburgh international] and I’m just having a bit more fun with it.

“I was really pleased with my performance there [in Edinburgh]. I had really good times and I’m excited for the Irish nationals at the beginning of April” he added.

Hyland also has ambitions of qualifying for the World Swimming Championships in Budapest the following month as part of another potential relay team.