Swimming in Malta

Reading Angela Galea's letter regarding swimming in Malta, I cannot but agree with her statements. There is no one at present who can describe or expose the shortcomings in this sport better that Ms Galea.

We all know that she has sacrificed her life to dedicate her talent for swimming - not only at an early age but training at sunset, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, year after year.

I can assure readers that these people are always at a disadvantage with swimmers from other nations. The list is endless but instead of getting some assistance from the local authorities, they find nothing but obstacles.

The national pool has always been a headache for our Maltese swimmers - it seems foreign money is a priority. Is it the first time we hear that the pool is reserved for foreigners and no allocation whatsoever is available for the locals? By these locals I refer to those Maltese swimmers preparing for important international meets and competitions like the GSSE and Mediterranean games, among others.

All those concerned with swimming in Malta have ceased to recognise the true factors that can help our swimmers gain a bit more experience to face such stiff opposition. With only one decent (!) outdoor national pool available, it is only fair that the pool management keeps its promise to upkeep and satisfy these poor swimmers' needs.