Ellenor Rixon who favours the longer distance free events took part in the 16 years 400 free in 4.33.69. However Ellenor also helped the relay team in the 14/16 years age group later in the sessions with a lifetime best in her leg of the 4 x 100 free final.
At his first ever British Nationals Luca Frankhauser has had a great week and in the 200IM 13/14 years age group put in a fine performance in 2.18.29 earning him a place in the final where he swam a lifetime best in 2.17.11 coming 6th.
Coach Lewis Dunford said: “I am really pleased with my young swimmers most of them experiencing British Summer Championships for the 1st time. Being a rookie in this environment can be intimidating but they have all dealt with the pressure of competing against the nation’s best with real maturity”.
Lucy Bean had a great swim in the Women’s 200IM and in the heats swam a PB and booked her place in the final. Although not a stranger to finals this was Lucy’s first 200 IM final. Lucy swam a lifetime best coming 9th in 2.20.59.
Sophia Wilson swimming in the 15 years age group was on form swimming a PB in 2.20.72 in the heat and then went on to swim a lifetime best in the final gaining her a silver medal in 2.18.55.
Sister Alicia Wilson in the 16 year’s age group made sure she was not left out and came first in the heats in 2.20.72. Alicia went on to swim a brilliant final claiming a well-deserved Gold in a lifetime best of 2.16.91.
Sharing Gold on the medal rostrum was City’s Honorary Member Emma Day in the 19 years and over age group where she also won gold in a time of 2.12.54.
“Coming out of the “Guildford” bubble our swimmers have realised how tough it is to compete against the best in the country – invaluable experience!” Commented Coach Lee Spindlow.
In the Men’s 13/14 years 50m free Noa Doest swam a lifetime best in 26.36. Charlie Pullan in the 17/18 years came 10th in the heats and finals in 23.97 and 24.00 respectively.
With another day of the British Championships to go Coach Josh Williamson commented: “We’ve had some great results with loads of personal bests and finalists. Our strong team spirit continues to support our competitors”
Anna Pang had a couple of strong swims coming 9th in the heats in 30.27 and 9th in the finals in 30.08.
The relays races were the last swims of the day and produced some exciting swims:
The Women’s 17 years and Over 4 x 100 free relay made up of Lucy Bean, Ella Windle, Katie Hodgson and Georgia Smith put in a good effort improving on their entry time finishing in a time of 4.00.31 in the heats.
In the Men’s 17 years and Over 4 x 100 free relay, the team of Charlie Pullan, Jamie Cunningham, Connor Brunt and Joe Clark had a great swim in the heats in 2.29.87. The team went on to come 5th in the final in 3.28.77 nearly a second quicker than their entry time.
In the Women’s 14/16 year’s age group saw some amazing performances with Alicia Wilson, Amy Hodgson, Ellenor Rixon and Molly Robinson. The team not only improved on their entry time in the heats coming 6th in 3.58.11 they then went on to swim a great final coming 4th, improving on their heat time in 3.55.70 which was 3 seconds faster. With all 4 girls swimming under a minute, the team also smashed the Regional record by over 5 seconds.
“All the swimmers put in fantastic performances today” said Chief Coach Richard Garfield. “Though I have to mention the Wilson sisters who were awesome tonight. Sophia winning the silver in the 200 IM 15 year old age group in a lifetime best in a very well deserved 2.18.55. Alicia in the 16 year age group, has been in my squad for two years and this is her first ever Gold Medal at the National Championships. It is the culmination of two years of really hard work. So proud of her and the immense progress she has made”.
Please note if there are any errors in the report please contact Janette Smith jsgcsc.membership@gmail.com
