Records tumble in open event
TWENTY-ONE gala records were broken as the Beau Sejour Barracudas overcame logistical problems - a fog-hit island and temporary pool closure - to stage another successful annual open event.
TWENTY-ONE gala records were broken as the Beau Sejour Barracudas overcame logistical problems - a fog-hit island and temporary pool closure - to stage another successful annual open event. From the local contingent Tom Hollingsworth of the host club set new records in 200m butterfly and 100m backstroke as well as placing first in five further events.
This resulted in the Commonwealth Games swimmer receiving the best boy award in the 17-plus age group.
Teammate Jeremy Osborne was crowned best boy in the 16 years' section, winning eight events and setting a new record in the 100m freestyle of 53.58.
Robyn Le Friec was the final Barracuda record breaker, setting a new mark in the 50m butterfly of 34.11, a personal best time.
She also took well-earned gold medals in the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle.
From the Guernsey Swimming Club new records were set by Matthew Butt in the 200m butterfly and Ben Lowndes in the 100m freestyle in 2-18.69 and 53.26 respectively.
Also flying the flag for the Channel Islands were Tigers (Jersey) swimmers Ebony Jacklin, Daniel Galloway, Charlotte Manning and Sarah Jane Smith who all found their way into the record books along with Rob Holderness, Ella Stone, Owen Thomas, Samantha Parsons, Lauren Harries, Bethan Davies and Danielle Stirrat who represented the enthusiastic Welsh contingent.
Once their seasickness had worn off, their bright red-and-green strip with the Welsh dragon, together with their inflatable daffodils, brought a great atmosphere to the meet.
Best boy and best girl awards were awarded in individual age groups determined by points gained in each individual swim.
Stars of the near future, Barracudas' nine-year-olds Miles Munro and Kristina Neves, were very successful, Neves being the fastest in her age group in a remarkable 14 events despite swimming as a nine-year-old in the 12-and-under age group.
Being the fastest in 10 races in the 10 years' section earned Lotte Parfit best girl award alongside Luke Winberg of the GSC, who also was the quickest in his age group in as many events.
