Trevor makes a splash
Trevor Pears claimed gold
SWIMMING TREVOR Pears won Team Maccabi GB’s first gold of the European Maccabi Games in the swimming competition — with 13 further medals following on a memorable opening day for the delegation in the pool.
Having also medalled in Vienna in 2011, Pears competed in six events, completing the 50m butterfly in a personal best of 32.8 seconds followed by 37.3 seconds in the 50m backstroke. He finished first in the 50m fly. Pears said: “I’m delighted to have won a medal and am very proud to be competing in Berlin.
“Overall I’m pleased with my times which were almost identical to my performances in Vienna.
“It feels fantastic to be here as part of a squad representing Team Maccabi GB and it’s important for us to be here.”
National swimmer Ellie Grant, 13, is the youngest member of the 253-strong GB delegation. The King Solomon High school pupil registered two golds in the 50m backstroke and 100m breaststroke.
She said her podium finishes came as a major boost as she prepares for the English National Championships in Sheffield upon her return from Germany.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far,” said Grant.
“Pre-camp was really interesting and it’s been great to meet so many Jewish people from home and abroad.”
GB dominated the 100m breaststroke, with Romy Caton-Jones taking silver and Rachel Ayrton bronze.
GB swimming manager Samantha Russo said: “I have high hopes for Ellie who is a real star. The Games are a good opportunity for the youngsters who might not otherwise make a British squad to compete for a national team.
“WecamehereforgoldandIhopewe can go home with more medals from top to toe.” Dan Schindler picked up two medals in the competition, with Alex Wilson, Peter Lever and Rebecca Saville claiming podium finishes.