Shrewsbury swimmers were out to impress new coach Dave Duro at the recent club championships and with only four weeks of training under their belt they didn’t disappoint! There were 16 new records and the most notable statistic was an 80%+ level of personal best times – everyone had slipped into the groove in no time at all.
In the ASA 11 age group, Victoria Capaldi caught the eye with good technique at all strokes earning her the four stroke titles and all of these were in huge PB times. It’s early days but with continued hard work in training she clearly has the potential for success.
Sophie Whittingham (ASA13) is no stranger to the headlines and she was unbeatable setting two new records on her way to a clean sweep of titles – the omens look good for Sophie with three of her times within the regional standards, there’s plenty more to come. James Wilson was the star turn from the ASA 13 boys events setting two new records in his four title tally.
Kate Almond (ASA 16) celebrated a return to form – personal best times do not come easy at the ‘senior’ level and her record setting swim in the 100m fly was an improvement of seven seconds! She also set a new record mark for 100m freestyle. Perry Russon was Mr consistency over all four strokes and his freestyle form continues to reach new heights with an impressive 58.73 swim over 100m.
There were some heartstopping tussles in the ASA 12 girls events with Gemma Almond and Natalie Baer engaged in fingertip finishes throughout the championships. Gemma came out on top in the 100m breaststroke, freestyle and medley with Natalie taking the 100m backstroke and fly. Ellis Salisbury Davies totally dominated the boys events picking up a new record in the 100m freestyle on the way.
Peter Williams (ASA 15) and George Lester (ASA 14) took all the trophies in their age groups, George was in superb form with three new record swims. Sarah Morris (ASA 14) had her eyes on a clean sweep and nearly made it until Niamh McDonagh took the 100m freestyle.
The ASA 15 girls event were wide open and very competitive. Rebecca Shelley-Hitchen took the 100m freestyle and fly with Philippa Hatton winning the 100m backstroke and Georgina Grandfield the 100m breaststroke.
Several youngsters posted their potential for the future – Peter Stringer (ASA 8) and Edward Barber (ASA 10) both managed four trophy hauls. Grace McCartney (ASA 8) was nearly unbeatable until Rachel Headworth pipped her in the 50m freestyle. Amy Carter was the star girl from the ASA 10 age group winning three events with Ruth Mellor taking the breaststroke. Steffi Antrobus (ASA 8), Mathew Nijsten (ASA 9) and Isobel Short (ASA 7) also took one event apiece.
The senior (16+) girls were headed by Charlotte Grandfield who took three titles including a storming 100m fly. Jessica Taylor was unstoppable at 100m breaststroke setting a new record. Both girls recorded times which should make regional qualification a formality. Nick Russell (16+) took the trophies for 100m freestyle and backstroke.
The hard work starts now, with several league and open events in the coming weeks as a prelude to the County Age Groups in February – on current form it’s looking good for Shrewsbury to retain their title as top team.