SWIMMING: Daniel reaches five finals (From Chard & Ilminster News)

SWIMMING: Daniel reaches five finals

12:40pm Wednesday 24th June 2009

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CHARD and District Swimming Club members produced some more excellent results at the ASA South-West Region Age Group Championships held on June 6, 7, 13 and 14, writes Steph Hallam.

Daniel Walker, Madeline Ryder, Jake Hallam, Jamie and Hannah Pullinger, Luke van den Barselaar, Abigail Dare, Jodie Hake and Tessa Down represented the club at the event which was held for the younger swimmers who had obtained regional times.

Daniel Walker qualified for five finals. In the 100m breaststroke, he improved his National Qualifying time to 1min19.51sec and came third overall which was also a 12 years and under club record.

His success continued in the 200m breaststroke where he secured fourth place. In the 200m freestyle, he obtained a 12 years and under club record 2.20.91 and broke the 100m freestyle 12 years record in a time of 1.03.76 to finish sixth, where he also came in the 200m individual medley.

Madeline Ryder shone in both her events, reaching finals for the 100m freestyle in which she achieved a time of 1.01.43 and broke her previous record for both the 14 years club record and the open age group club record.

She came fifth overall and in the 200m freestyle and not only broke the 14 years and open club records but reached third in a time of 2.12.63. She is an inspiration for up and coming freestyle competitors.

Jake Hallam displayed his talent in the 200m butterfly event where he reached the final, obtaining a club record for the 14 years and under age group in a time of 2.35.33 and he was rewarded with fifth place. He continued to shine in the 400m individual medley where he broke the 14 years and open club record in a time of 5.30.64.

Jamie Pullinger qualified for the 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke finals. In the 100m breaststroke event he achieved a 10 years club record of 1.39.13 finishing sixth in both events. He achieved numerous PBs throughout the weekend and was the youngest representative for Chard. He competed in the most events and maintained a high standard mirrored by the other swimmers.

Club Coach John Farrant said: “I am pleased with the progress that the swimmers are making at the highest levels of swimming in the South- West of England.

“The third position of Madeline Ryder in the 200m freestyle together with her 100m freestyle club record has raised girls freestyle swimming to a new level within the club.

“Daniel Walker improved his National Qualifying time finishing in third position – a tremendous effort.

“The number of club records and finals from the nine swimmers was great, as were the qualifications of Abigail Dare, Jake Hallam and Luke van den Barselaar, swimming in the 400m individual medley.

“The swimming programme that the club runs is producing excellent swimmers whilst giving children time to have other interests and study.

Getting swimmers into competitions as soon and as often as possible is very important, many of our 12 year olds have several years of experience and are very confident individuals.

Giving swimmers the opportunity to compete in serious competition is the only way to realise potential.”

The swimmers will represent Chard with seven of the older members in the South-West region sprint completion in Gloucester on June 28.

Other events and competitors: 100m freestyle – Jamie and Hannah Pullinger, Luke van den Barselaar. 200m freestyle – Jamie and Luke van den Barselaar. 100m backstroke – Abigail Dare, Jodie Hake and Luke van den Barselaar. 200m backstroke – Jamie Pullinger, Jodie Hake and Luke van den Barselaar. 100m breaststroke – Tessa Down and Jake Hallam. 200m breaststroke – Jamie Pullinger and Jake Hallam. 100m butterfly – Jake Hallam. 200m individual medley – Jamie Pullinger, Jake Hallam and Luke van den Barselaar.

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