Emily's long distance swim success
The third gala of the Shropshire ASA Age Group Championships was another resounding success for Shrewsbury ASC swimmers. Virtually all the times recorded were personal best performances so the large squad had every reason to return with smiles on their faces.
Another nineteen medals were secured, seven of which were gold. The main aim however was regional qualifying standards and one of the biggest smiles (after recovering) was to be seen after Emily Marrs (15) had completed the gruelling 1500m freestyle event. Her time of 20.01.01 earned a silver medal and her first regional qualifying time - another long haul is booked for Coventry!
Andrew Meredith (17) is still hungry for success and posted his intentions for a busy time later in the year, meeting two regional standards at 200m IM (2.13.72) and 100m freestyle (56.24) for gold/new record time and silver respectively. James Morris (10) confirmed his all round promise by adding another qualifying standard to his belt in the 200m IM (3.10.14).
A number of swimmers were knocking at the regional time door adding ‘county champion’ to their achievement list. Sophie Whittingham (11) was in fine form clinching the 100m breaststroke and 200m fly titles, the latter by an amazing 30 sec margin. Oliver Henry (13) also completed a ‘double’ over 200m IM and 1500m freestyle, plus bronze at 100m freestyle. Gemma Almond (10) added another title with a convincing 14 sec margin of victory over 200m fly.
Peter Williams (13) was on fire, edging out Oliver for silver at 100m freestyle and getting ever closer to regional qualification. Josh Hatton (15) was runner up at 200m IM and Nick Russell (15) followed suit at1500m freestyle. Emma Whittingham (15) remained strong over 200m fly with second place in a tight finish.
Also in the medal hunt, collecting bronze were: Becky McQueen-Skene (14) and Jess Taylor in the 100m breaststroke, Adam Garbett (14) at 200m IM and Perry Russon over 1500m freestyle.
Finally, a special mention to Louise Highfield (17), shaking the dust off her costume and collecting gold over the 1500m freestyle distance, setting the standard for this new event in the process.