Record on England debut for Osborne

JEREMY OSBORNE was part of a record-breaking relay team when he won his first representative cap for England Schools. The Elizabeth College student, who is still just 13, travelled to The Quays Swimming Pool in Southampton for the 33rd WISE Swimming International meet between all four home nations.

Osborne was the youngest swimmer in the England squad although at 6ft 2in. he was one of the biggest.

'It was a very proud moment for his parents and teaching staff as he paraded around the pool with the team, especially as with them parading in size order he found himself at the back with the senior section,' said Brian Allen, master in charge of swimming at Elizabeth College.

Osborne competed in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay, swimming the first leg for England in 26.80sec. and setting the team on their way to first place and a new record time of 1min. 42.77sec., beating the old mark by 0.6sec.

England went on to claim overall victory.

'It was a fantastic occasion for Jeremy swimming at this level and meeting international coaches,' said Allen.

'He came away with some good motivation tips and how important it is to keep a log book of all training, competitions and setting good targets throughout the year.'

Allen added that Elizabeth College and Guernsey were really starting to put their name about on the county and international scene with Osborne following on from Ian Powell who competed for England last year.

Many coaches and team managers at the gala were surprised to learn that the school only had an open air pool and the island has one 25m indoor facility to house two separate clubs.

'All credit must go to Alison Frankland and the other coaches on the island for their dedication and expertise and being able to get our Guernsey swimmers up to this standard.

'Jeremy should be an inspiration to all those dedicated young swimmers who, week after week, spend hours swimming up and down in Beau Sejour pool.

'It is hoped it will not be too long before we see the opening of another indoor pool on the island to allow the sport to progress to the next level,' Allen said.

*WISE Swimming International result:

1, England 155 points; 2, Scotland 110; 3, Ireland 99; 4, Wales 74.