Success for young swimmers

LOUGHBOROUGH Town’s younger swimmers competed in the City of Leicester Mini Meet series on Saturday.

This event takes place over two stages, the first of which took place in March. Results are combined and awards are made based on the total points achieved.

Loughborough’s youngest girls were a strong force in the 9 years age group with five girls placing in the top six. Imogen Sherman was overall winner with Elizabeth Palfrey in third, Scarlet Coulson (fourth), Daisy Bacon (fifth) and Lily Chamberlain (sixth). In the boys 9 years age group Toby James finished sixth and Fitz Fantham seventh.

The 10 years age group saw Thomas Macmanard winning overall with James Lake in sixth and Josh Dowdall 11th. Francesca Palfrey finished third in the girls event, with Holly Coulson (seventh) and Grace Appleby (19th). In the 11 years age group Ben Smith finished 10th and Robyn Jarvis 12th with Rosie Moakes placed 14th. Many swimmers achieved personal best times.

After their success on Saturday, Francesca and Elizabeth travelled to Grantham to compete in the Lincoln Vulcans Open Meet. Francesca won gold in the 10years 200m backstroke, silver in the 200m freestyle and bronze in the 200m breaststroke. Not to be outdone by her older sister, Elizabeth won silver in the 9 years 200m backstroke and bronze in the 200m freestyle.

Also over the weekend, 13-year-old Josh Welford competed in the Bude Shoreline triathlon. The event started with a swim in the sea pool where Josh got out of the water in fourth place. He then built a strong lead on the bike leg, which was a hilly course, made more difficult by strong winds. The run was equally hilly but Josh ran well and was just beaten on the line into second place overall and for his age group.

The club’s next event is the final round of the Leicestershire Diddy League on Saturday.