MONTHS of training paid off for West Dorset Swimming Club at the Dorset County Swimming Championships as 56 swimmers qualified at county level while a gigantic 147 personal bests were achieved.
Gaining golds were county champions Holly Johnson in the 100m butterfly, Lauren Osgood for the 100m backstroke, Lauren McRobbie in the 100m backstroke and Leon Mowlem for the 100m butterfly.
Between them, Henry Wyrill, Leon Mowlem, Lauren McRobbie, Daniel Kingman, Abigail Barnes, Holly Johnson, Grace Chaffey, Amelia Chaffey, Lauren Osgood, Jessamy Fursman and Nikita Miah also won 19 silver medals and 14 bronze medals.
Bravely, Abigail Barnes, Darcey Cornette, Matthew Taylor and Henry Wyrill took on the 800m freestyle seeing the latter finish with a bronze medal and the former went on to compete in the 1,500m freestyle.
Not only were medals won and PBs coming in thick and fast but club records were smashed too.
McRobbie broke four club records in the 15-year-old category for 50, 100 and 200m backstroke plus 200m freestyle.
Wyrill, 16, broke the 200m individual medley and the 50m backstroke record.
Mowlem, 15, broke the 100m individual medley record plus the 50m butterfly club record.
Kingman, 15, broke the 50m freestyle record while Miah, 11, also broke the 50m freestyle record.
Grace Chaffey, 12, broke the club record for the 200m individual medley.
Altogether, West Dorset saw a record 25 of 56 swimmers make the finals.
The County Championships also saw West Dorset’s Richard Green receive his long service award.
West Dorset head coach, Colin Cracknell, said: “The swimmers should be very proud of themselves.
“Hours of training and hard work paid off.
“It is a real achievement to reach county qualifying times.
“It also demonstrates to our other swimmers just what can be achieved.
“I have no doubt that we will continue to build upon our success this season.
“Exciting times. Well done West Dorset, we are proud of all of you.”
Over the next few months, West Dorset swimmers will be travelling to compete in Plymouth, Bournemouth and Millfield in pursuit of South West regional qualifying times, taking place in May, in addition to the 19 already achieved over the duration of the County Championships.
If you would like to be part of West Dorset's team of athletes, follow West Dorset on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website.
CONTACT US:
t: 01305 830990
e: sport
@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @Dorsetechosport
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