RUNNYMEDE SWIMMERS SPRINT TO FINALS
Runnymede Swimming Club took 36 swimmers with a total of 97 qualifying swims to the first block of the Essex County ASA 2008 Championships. For many of these swimmers it was their first appearance at a major competitive event but all rose to the occasion without any appearance of nerves - just great enthusiasm.
The first block of the years County events was for the 50m sprint events in all strokes Out of the 37 swimmers 10 reached finals scooping a fabulous tally of 9 Medals and a further 13 4th to 6th places. Amongst the medal winners were 10 year old Ellie Pirrie who came away with a Gold Medal in the 50m Breaststroke, Silver in the 50m Butterfly and 4th places for 50m Free & Backstroke.
11 year old Kayleigh Sims also flying the flag for Runnymede took the Silver Medal in the 50m Breaststroke. For the Boys 11 year olds Barton Townley was in fine form and taking Silver in all three of his events of 50m Butterfly, Backstroke and Freestyle. Rory Geoghegan also swimming well achieved Silver in 50m Breaststroke and took 5th place in 50m Butterfly.
For the 12 year olds it was Henry Newton took the Silver Medal in the 50m Butterfly and 6th places for 50m back & 50m free; Melissa Knighton finished in 5th place for 50m Backstroke who helped to add to the medal tally. James Winell - 13 years swam well to achieve 4th place in 50m Butterfly.
The two 14 year old swimmers representing Runnymede who achieved medal placings were Chloe Davis, who in great form winning the Silver Medal in 50m fly 4th place 50m free & 5th 50m backstroke. Patrick Neary also swimming exceptionally had his best ever county’s results so far reaching 3 finals and finishing in 4th position in his favoured stroke breaststroke 5th backstroke and 6th place in the fly.
Swimming at her first County event was 10 year old Karis Ellerby who swam brilliantly and just missed her first County medal by narrowly being beaten to 4th position in 50m Breaststroke.
Among the young newcomers to the squad were 9 year olds Ellie Mitchell, Erin Geoghegan, Sarah Ellis & Byron Wood who all swam extremely well and achieved some very good times.
Nearly all swimmers achieved Personal Bests and a fantastic total of 22 individual medals and pennants were won, plus a fine achievement by the girls under 16 medley team consisting of Charlotte Davis, Chloe Davis, and Kayleigh Sims & Charlie Beale who came away with a fantastic 6th place.
Due to the fantastic effort of all swimmers taking part, all of whom help to contribute to the points tally, Runnymede are currently in 6th position from 28 competing clubs
Other swimmers taking part in the competition who also swam very well, some just missing out on the medals were:- Amy Smith, Emily Muggleton, Kelsey Ellerby, Madison Townley, William Muggleton, Matthew Davis, Thomas Giles, Thomas Honeysett, Abigail Brown, Mark Greenbaum, Murphy Talbot, Ellie Townley, Shannon Wennington, Ellie Honeysett, Danielle Valsaycer, Jonathon Ellis, Rebecca Scott, Yvette James, Charlotte Hartin, Ellie-jade Smith & Lloyd Burton