THIRTY-SIX Tornadoes of South Dorset were on form as they looked to amass England National Qualifying Times and Regional Qualifying Times at the start of the two weekends of the Dorset Championships.

Team manager Helen Rowe reported 75 personal best times from the first weekend of competition, which showed a massive reduction to new improved times from South Dorset swimmers.

She said: “We are certainly not one of the largest clubs in Dorset, but we make up in quality with a big ‘Q’, and this is reflected time and time again.

“Quality is Tornadoes of South Dorset’s hallmark and has become synonymous with the Weymouth and Portland club, based at the Osprey Leisure Centre, Portland.”

Head coach Phil Daniels added: “Both Regional and National qualifying times are tough to achieve in this Olympic year so well done to 10-year-old Josh Rowe, Jay Lelliott, Connor Ward, Craig Bishop, Thomas John, Ellie Harvey, Georgia Eiles-Clarke and Jenny Scott in their individual performances in the first weekend.

“Olympic Trials qualifier Jay Lelliott’s achievements in breaking county championship best times and setting new county records are but a mere reflection of his training ethics and an example to all, that you only ultimately achieve, if you are prepared to work in training and apply what you learn to competition.”

* If you are keen not to travel great distances to training after school or would like to improve your competitive swimming in a friendly club team atmosphere, then email head coach Phil Daniels pbkd52@hotmail.co.uk for an assessment and try-out in one of South Dorset Competitive training squads – development squad, junior squad or performance squad.