AN amazing 19 records were broken at an exciting Ledbury & District Swimming Club Club Championship Gala.

The youngest race, one length front crawl for ages seven and under, saw new records in both the girls and boys event. David Middleton stormed down the pool finishing in 19.02 seconds, three seconds faster than the existing record, with William Brown winning the silver medal and Matthew Thomas the bronze. Caitlin Clark had the pleasure of seeing the record from 1994 tumble as she finished in 20.34 seconds, followed by Alice Quigley in second place and Victoria Hunt, third.

The eight year olds were equally successful with Joe Bloxsome and Annabelle Dereham setting new records, both just over 19 seconds. George Parsons (second) and William Pinnell (third) were also inside the existing record time, as was runner up Olivia Hunt. Patti Holloway won the bronze medal.

From the youngest to the oldest, senior swimmers (15/o), Laura West and Jamie Dunn, continued to perform as excellent role models to all the younger swimmers, both setting new records in the 50m butterfly, as did Sarah Bethell and Hywel Pothecary in the 13/14 age group, Hannah Bloxsome (10 yrs) and George Bennion (9/u). Other winners were, Josie Rycroft (9), Patrick Blake (10), Luke Rycroft and Harriet Campbell (11/12). All the fly races were very closely contested and well deserved silver medals were presented on behalf of gala sponsors Brewer Science Ltd by Mr Terry Smith Cooper to: James Middleton, Katie Batley, Alexander Jupp, Alison Pudge, Arron Almond, Chloe Watson, Mark Hinton, Rachael Lea. Collecting bronze medals were: Bradley Smith, Victoria Watkins, Heather Farmer, Ruari Smith Cooper, Lucy Bennion, Lucinda Houghton.

There were 59 entrants for the 200m Breaststroke race, the discipline and stamina required for this eight length race makes it quite tough even for the older swimmers but remarkably 44 swimmers were in the 11/u junior championship and 33 of those were 9/u. James Middleton swam a fantastic race in the 9/u, not only breaking the record but also beating the older boys to be awarded the Junior Championship Trophy. Eleven year old Charlotte Scott Wilson was the junior girls champion with 12 year old Lucy Bennion and 14-year-old Hywel Pothercary winning their age groups in new record times and becoming the overall championship winners.

Joining them in the record books were Olivia Hunt (9/u), Patrick Blake and Heather Farmer (10/u), Luke Rycroft (11/12) and Rachael Lea (13/14). Mr David Rushton, representing Orme Dykes and Yates, keen supporters of the club, presented trophies to the winners and silver medals to: George Bennion, Kate Docherty, Alexander Jupp, Jessica Hunt, Arron Almond, Chloe Watson, Thomas James, Sarah Bethell. Bronze medals to: Bradley Smith, Josie Rycroft, Alison Pudge, Harry Bethell, Amy Tyler, Mark Hinton, Lucinda Houghton.

The 100m freestyle race, which in accordance to ASA recommendations, is restricted to 12/o for girls and 13/o boys produced some exciting races. Twelve-year-old Chloe Watson showed great determination, finishing in a fast pb of 1.10.32, breaking the long standing record set in 1989 by two seconds. Lucy Bennion and Charlote Wilce, finished second and third both in new pb times. Hywel Pothecary was unlucky in his attempt to break the magic minute and had to settle for a new pb of 1.00.43, again with fellow competitors, Thomas James and Mark Hinton gaining medals with new pb times.

Jamie Dunn won the 15/o, also with a personal best of 58.30, Laura West and Sarah Bethell were the other girl winners with Rachael Lea and Lucinda Houghton worthy medallists. Before the final event special trophies were awarded to Katie Batley and William Pinnell for their commitment and effort during training this term.

The gala closed with the 25m Novice race which is restricted to swimmers who have not yet won a gold medal. Winners were Victoria Watkins and Richard Jones, second, Annabelle Dereham and Bradley Smith, third, Harry Bethell and Kate Docherty.