Hollingsworth grabs the limelight left by Lowndes

TOM HOLLINGSWORTH was the undoubted star of the Channel Islands Swimming Championships at Beau Sejour. The 16-year-old from the Beau Sejour Barracudas claimed eight titles and four new records, including a sensational all-comers' record in the 50m backstroke with a time of 27.05 sec., breaking the previous best set at the Island Games in 2003.

Coach Alison Frankland paid tribute to her young charge.

'Tom had some outstanding swims - he's looking very good.

'I did expect him to do that well. He's trained really hard and is obviously very comfortable in his home pool. I think he deserves those trophies.'

Hollingsworth's other records came in the 100m backstroke, individual medley and butterfly.

He also won the Guernsey Swimming Club Trophy for the most meritorious boys' swim, awarded not for his all-comers' record, but for a 200m butterfly swim which was a full 11sec. inside the national qualifying time.

'They were both exceptional swims,' said Frankland. 'But the all-comers' record is something rather special for a swimmer, to be able to say that no one has ever swum faster than you in that water.'

Hollingsworth himself described his performances as 'pretty awesome'.

'With the Island Games coming up you don't want to peak now, but this gives me some confidence, really.'

Barracudas were also boosted by fastest times and trophies for Jonathon Le Noury in the 200 and 400m freestyle, 14-year-old Jeremy Osborne, who set a new record in the blue riband event, the 100m freestyle, with 53.86, and Matthew Robert in the 50m breaststroke.

With Ben Lowndes withdrawing from the Lloyds TSB-sponsored championships on the first day with a chest infection, Guernsey Swimming Club's main successes were from Christine Hume and Sophie Castle.

Hume recorded fastest times in the breaststroke sprint events and Castle in the 100m individual medley.

Jersey's Regent Tigers claimed 14 fastest times - and Victoria Rebours won the Beau Sejour Trophy for the best girls' swim for her 400m individual medley - and four new records.

GSC coach Jo Winberg said that her team had produced some quality swims, with some younger swimmers shattering personal bests.

'They've been in very heavy training and cannot afford to peak now,' she said. 'The Hampshire Championships are in four weeks and they need to work towards Island Games selection in April.'

The Barracudas celebrated 13 fastest times and six records, while Jersey Swimming Club had four fastest times and Guernsey three.