Frome Swimming Club took it all in their stride, or should it be said, stroke, at Aquae Sulis and City of Bristol Sprint Meet on Sunday 28th September at Hengrove in Bristol and on the same day the Masters event at Millfield.
Swimmers aged from just nine years old to 60+ years competed with the clubs motto in heart and mind for each race – Excellence and Enjoyment.
In Bristol, individual and relay events had representation from across all age groups. With some of the younger club members competing for the first time, it was their older club members, volunteer helpers and lead coach Susie Hann who supported them at this inaugural sprint meet.
Each event adds to an individual’s experience and assists in their ongoing development as a swimmer, so there was lots to gain for each swimmer. Their commitment to training and dedication to continually improve saw all of Frome’s swimmers enjoy the meet with many personal bests achieved.
Oliver Saunders, aged nine, achieved a remarkable five medals with 1st place finishes in 50m Butterfly, Freestyle, Breaststroke and 200m IM events and 2nd in 50m Breaststroke. His 10 year old brother Finlay won 3rd place for his 200m IM and 2nd in 50m backstroke.
The nine year old girls also achieved wins with Niamh Ward winning 2nd place for her 50 m backstroke and 200m IM and a 3rd place for 50m Freestyle. Lily Hastings-McMahon won 2nd for 50m Butterfly, 3rd place for 50m Backstroke and 200m IM.
Other swimmers who achieved podium finishes were Daniel Gordon aged 10, won bronze for 50m Breaststroke as did 14 year old Henry Dixon. Dixon also won 1st place in his 50 metre Butterfly category, 2nd place in his 200 metre IM race. He was then joined by Kameron Smith, Charlie Head and Robert Duffy to swim the 13 and over medley relay team event.
With stiff competition from other teams the boys swam a great race to bring home the bronze medal. Chloe Derrick swam into Gold medal place in her 50m Breaststroke event to conclude the medals for Frome Swimming Club.
Not to be outdone by his junior club swimmers, Frome Masters Swimmer Alan Poole competed in the SW Region Masters event on Sunday and got two golds and two silvers in the Men’s 60+ age group.
Frome’s lead coach Susie Hann said, “It was a fantastic day of swimming with everyone gaining valuable experience competing and reaping the rewards of the efforts made in the training pool. Thanks to the organisers for a superb meet which will definitely be on the calendar for next year.”
If this has inspired you to try swimming or get back into a sport you used to do, then please contact Frome Swimming Club via Website www.fromeswimming.weebly.com
