Swimmers’ cruised to the top spots in Hampshire County Championships gaining British age group rankings.
Locks Heath swimmmers take the top spots by storm in the Hampshire County Championships
Many members of the Locks Heath swim Squad stormed to the top three spots in races with some securing British Age Group Categories (BAGCAT) rankings.
The first of the two-weekend races saw the swimmers compete at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth raising the stakes in thrilling relay events.
Twelve swimmers from the club then swam fantastic individual swims in Waterlooville for the second weekend on March 10 and 11.
Nine-year-old Emily Barker competing in her first county championships, finished in second place overall in the BAGCAT rankings and she took the top three spots in all of her 11 races. She took bronze medals in the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley finals, while other races included a first place, four second places and four thirds.
Meanwhile, Emma Trotman, 12, achieved first place in an incredible eight races, including the 100m and 200m individual medley, 50m and 100m backstroke, 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and a gold medal in the 200IM final. She went on to achieve second place in two more races, and one third place with a second place overall in the BAGCAT rankings.
Rhian Johnson, 12, was on form at the championships recording a number of personal best times and ending the weekend in eighth place in the BAGCAT standings. Her team mate Zita Edwards, 12, also had a good weekend and took 12th position overall. Ellie Fletcher could not compete due to a broken finger a few days before the event.
The boys were also hot on the competition with Alex Barker, 12, who qualified for the 200m individual medley final in fifth place and then swam strongly in the final to take the bronze medal. He ended the weekend in fifth place overall in the BAGCAT rankings and also took two first places, one second and third place in 200m breaststroke.
It was a fantastic weekend for William Whitlock, 10, who smashed all of his best times and achieved his first ever regional qualifying time for the 200m individual medley. He swam an astonishing five second personal bests in his 50m butterfly to finish third with a time of 38.41s and came 12th in the BAGCAT rankings.
Scores of other Locks’ swimmers qualified for individual heats taking admirable overall positions.
Locks Heath Swim Squad is recruiting new members, so contact Lynda Reid on 07833188336 or at lyndareid100@hotmail.com.