Frome Swimming club compete at Somerset county championships

FROME Swimming Club was just one of many to compete in this year’s County Championships. 15 swimmers put all their training and hard work to the test by competing in the first long course competition of the year. 

The swimming club reports, “Over the course of four weekends Lillie Carter from Frome and Team Bath AS, competed in nine events with a Personal Best (PB) in the 50metre freestyle, qualifying for the finals, and also in the 400metres freestyle.

“Lauren Billing also competed in three events giving her a championship she should be proud of.  Bethan Davis was at her first championships and competed in six events with PBs in five of these.  Bethan is improving with each competition so we hope to see more of the same next year.

“Alisha Freeman is one of the youngest of full time Frome swimmers. Alisha has had the most memorable of championships with 10 events with PBs in every single race.  Achieving podium positions in six events, Alisha won Bronze medals for 200metre back, 50m back, 50 fly, 100m Freestyle, 100m back and 50 breast.  She swam remarkably into a Silver place for 50m freestyle.

“Amy Gordon qualified for three events, winning a Silver for the 100m freestyle and Gold for the 50m freestyle.

“Charlie Hemmens   qualified for seven events these championships and achieved two PBs.

“Hugo Jones is one of the youngest Frome swimmers qualifying and he competed in six events with  two PBs this championship.

“JoJo Streatfield James also competed as one of our younger swimmers in three events.  Both Hugo and JoJo are going from strength to strength.  The 50-metre pool was a challenge, but they were exemplary in their positive attitude to race their events.

“Jessica Metcalfe competed in eight events with PBs in three  of her events and the 50m freestyle was her best personal achievement.

“There were spectacular swims from the Saunders brothers.  The dynamic duo saw Finlay compete in seven events with PBs in four of these; two Silver medals in 200m back and 1500m freestyle.

“Oliver meanwhile competed in 16 events and achieved qualifying times for all.  He made five PBs and podium positions for Silver 400m IM, 1500m freestyle, 100m back, 200m breast, 200m back, 200 m fly, Bronze in 50m breast, 100m free, 50m fly, 200m IM.

“Holly Singer competed in three events and Ben Taylor achieved a new PB in his 100 m fly event.  Isabel Kendall competed in one event, with a chance to compete in this long course event.

“Niamh Ward, who swims with both Frome and Team Bath AS, competed in six events this championships and achieved Silver in 100m back and Bronze in 200m back and 800metres freestyle.

“Whilst the championships have ended, the work and training continues for all the swimmers and for their fellow club members.  Head coach Pete Billing and team manager Karen Saunders were truly remarkable throughout the competition and in all of the swimmers’ and parents’ eyes – they are pure gold!”