Neves claims two records

A HOST of excellent swims took place in the first events of the new year in the NRG Series staged by the Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club. In the youngest age group, nine-year-old Kristina Neves posted new championship records in 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke, the two disciplines swum in the session.

A strong performance in the 50m freestyle saw her finish in 35.38, an outstanding time more than two seconds inside the previous record, while her time of 48.78 in the breaststroke was also over a second inside the previous mark.

Jeremy Osborne, continuing his good form, set a new record in the 14/15 age group freestyle event where he recorded 26.05 to take the honours. He also placed first in the breaststroke, despite a poor start.

Other double successes included Cody Butcher and George Moss in the 10 years' group. Both swimmers are showing potential for the future in a good mix of strokes and distances.

Fastest times of the day in the breaststroke went to sprint specialists Matthew Robert and Katie Salmon, who recorded 32.76 and 37.45 respectively.

In the freestyle, Ian Hubert and Hannah Lamb touched in 25.42 and 29.36.

Lamb and Salmon are currently at the bottom of the 14/15 age group and did well to out-swim the senior members on this occasion.

'The event is an excellent opportunity for an early-season assessment of form in the sprint events as the swimmers prepare for the Hampshire County Championships,' said Barracudas coach Alison Frankland.

There were a host of personal best times throughout the age groups.

Sophie Hocart, from the 11 years' group, was judged the most improved swimmer.