BE PROUD, SHOW PASSION, REALISE POTENTIAL

Transcription

1 Preston Swimming Club Where every swimmer counts Founded in 1888 News Winter 2016/17 BE PROUD, SHOW PASSION, REALISE POTENTIAL Editorial Jess Wilkie, Head Age Group Coach Happy New Year to you all. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas break and are enjoying being back in the water. What a fantastic year 2016 was for the club. Achievements across the board, from teaching all the way through to our top squad swimmers. Far too many to mention but here are some of the highlights of 2016: The Microleague and Arena teams put in some great performances showing excellent team spirit and hard fought racing. Awarded Top Club at the British National Summer Championships 2016, a first in PSC history! Nine of our swimmers represented PSC and swam best times in every event they raced. Congratulations to Kathryn Greenslade who has been selected for Great Britain to swim at the Austin leg for the USA Grand Prix series from her performance at the British National Summer Championships In the Paralympics Steph Slater excelled bringing home a silver in the S8 100m butterfly and a gold in the 4x100m medley relay. We were lucky enough to have Steph visit and continue to support our younger swimmers at the Bert Brooks gala. Steph has also recently been awarded an MBE for her achievements at the Paralympic Games. The masters programme is up and running with 10+ regular members. We hope to make this bigger and better in We can't forget to mention all the volunteers who work behind the scenes keeping the club running smoothly day in day out. PSC could not do it without every single one of you. You all helped to make 2016 a success, thank you. If you would like to join the team of volunteers in 2017 please get in touch. Finally thank you to all of our swimmers and coaches who work tirelessly and continue to push the boundaries. Let work together to make 2017 the best year we have ever had!

2 Club News Steph Slater awarded an MBE in New Years Honours Preston Swimming Club couldn t be prouder of Steph Slater who was awarded an MBE in the New Year s Honours list for services to swimming. Congratulations Steph. Just recognition of the hard work you do for the sport both in the pool and out.

3 Junior Christmas Party October Teacher of the Month Emily Armstrong The PSC junior Christmas party took place at Energy and a good time seemed to be had by all. Thank you to the organisers and helpers who made this possible.

4 New Year, New Skill Looking for a new skill in 2017? Then why not sign up for a training course hosted by Stoneyhurst College. 13 th -16 th February including refreshments Stoneyhurst Social Club Learn to be a swimming teacher Give yourself a great advantage for the future. Learn how to teach nonswimmers and beginners confidence building, basic and competition strokes. Contact: Louise Raines Tel: (07889) louiseeraines@gmail.com 13 th 18 th February Stoneyhurst Social Club Become a pool lifeguard RLSS Integrated National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and Emergency First Aid at Work Contact: Dave Cockerill Tel: d.cockerill@stonyhurst.ac.uk November Teacher of the Month Beth Parker Team GB selection And finally, Kat Greenslade has been selected for Team GB to swim in the Arena Pro swim series in Austin, Texas. She is competing in the 100/200/400m freestyle and 100 backstroke. The competition runs from January Results should be available via British Swimming.

5 Competition reports British short-course nationals Emily Lawrence started PSC s campaign at the national short course championships in Ponds Forge, Sheffield. Emily managed to race to a personal best time and finish in a creditable 12 th place in the junior category (16 & under). The time of 33:66 was a club age group record, previously held by Becky Swales. Emily Lawrence also competed in the 200m breast. Finally, Emily Lawrence raced to another best time of 1:12:60 on the 100m breast. In the junior boys category, Billy Dewhurst, had an outstanding meet, breaking club records in all his backstroke events and getting a 100% pb rate. In the 200m backstroke he finished 7 th out of the 2001 boys in a new best time of 2:06:12. In the 50m back he finished fourth place in a scintillating 26:44. In the 100m back Billy finished 5th in the junior category and in doing so broke Ryan Bennett s club age group record, recording a new lifetime best of 57:39. Billy put in a great effort on the 50n fly to finish with a best time of 26:44. Will Ritchie finished 21st on the men's 200m breast to equal his best. Four of the eight girls at PSC that are part of the "Road to Podium 2017" program defended the clubs colours very well producing standout swims. The quartet comprising Emily Lawrence, Lizzie Woodcock, Olivia Armes and Elizabeth Wafer took part in the medley and frees style relays. In the 4x100m freestyle relay they beat their entry time from the regional championships, which were only held in November, coming 19 th. In the 4x100m medley relay they came 21st. Their outstanding swim was in the 4x200m freestyle relay, where they made the final, coming 5 th and improving their heat to final time by 6 seconds. The "Road to Podium 2017" project is on course to achieve its outcomes The "Road to Podium 2017" is an initiative to put the necessary things in place

6 and give the girls that extra support so they can realistically compete for medals as a relay team at the British Summer National Championships. The boys also entered a team in the 4x200m freestyle relay, comprising of George Robinson, James Parker, Will Richard and Billy Dewhurst coming 7 th. Well done to all swimmers defending our club colours! Kat Greenslade, swimming for Edinburgh University, got a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle, getting the Welsh Short-Course record in the process. She also made the final in the 400m freestyle.

7 North West Final 40 swimmers defended the red of Preston at Macclesfield against the very best opposition across the North- West of England. A mix of age groups ranging from swimmers as young as ten years to our established seniors in their twenties made for an entertaining night of racing. Emily Lawrence spearheaded the girls 15 & under age group with winning the 100m freestyle individual and placing second on the individual breaststroke. She then teamed up with Elizabeth Wafer, Lizzie Woodcock and Olivia Armes to finish second on the medley relay. Emma Tabernacle helped the team secure another second place finish on the freestyle team relay. The next most successful age category was our boys 15 & under team, which was fronted by Billy Dewhurst who took control of his 100m backstroke individual earning the club maximum points. The medley team that compromised of Billy, Rio Quarry, Jack Howard and Daniel Holmes finished in second place. Oliver Covill continued his good form and won the boys 11 & under 50m breaststroke. Imogen Moss finished third in the 13 & under 100m backstroke individual with the boys 13 & under medley relay (Harry Robinson, Nathan Holmes, Adam Tabernacle & Nic Edwards) also finishing inside the podium spots. Other swimmers also

8 finishing inside the top 3 on the night were our senior men; Billy Dewhurst (3 rd Men s open 100m back), Will Ritchie (3 rd Men s open 100m breast) and Rob Hamer (3 rd Men s open 100m fly). This was a superb effort by team PSC who were without ten first team swimmers. Samir Ahmed commented, It was a very good team effort and the swimmers who did represent the club; generally executed their races to a good standard. However, we were left with a mammoth task of actually producing the result that genuinely reflects how strong we really are as a club, and that is very disappointing. It would have been nice to have taken a full team and put all the swimmers this club has produced on show at the biggest team event of the year in the north-west.

9 National Arena League - Round 2 After a successful first round result, Preston swimmers headed into the second round knowing they had to produce fantastic swims against tough opponents to come away with a result that would see them through to the regional final in December. Many of the clubs senior swimmers were involved at the British Universities & College championships in Sheffield so were unable to attend. The 11&under boys team was one of the most successful groups across the whole club. Top points went to Johnny Gibbs on the 50m fly (36:22) and 50m free (32:11). Oliver Covill also finished 1st on the 50m breast (38:46). Both relay teams were victorious too. The team led by Coaches Jess Wilkie & Richard Millar included; Oliver Covill, Johnny Gibbs, Matt Wright, Leo Jessop, James Wilkinson and Nathan Thomas. Francesca Armstrong helped secure the only podium position in the girls 11&under age group, finishing 2nd on the 50m breast (42:03). Fran was then joined by Lauren Airy, Lily Yau, Amity Jones and Emma Mews who all represented the club so well in the youngest age category. Imogen Moss led the way for the girls 13&under category with two top three placings. Imogen finished 2nd on the 100m backstroke and 3rd on the 100m freestyle. Khirstine Williams, Ella Newton, Olivia Hanson, Menna Shirras and Caitlin O Brien all represented the team in the 13 & under age group. Whilst there were no individual top 3 placings in the boys 13&under age group, the team did finish 2nd on the 200m freestyle relay with Harry Robinson (29:58), Tom Douglas (29:99), Ben Rogerson (29:36) and Spencer Beattie (28:32). Adam Tabernacle also featured individually for the boys in this category. Elizabeth Wafer and Chloe Cottam finished 2nd and 3rd respectively on their individual events in the girls 15 & under age group. They then joined up with Emily Lawrence and Olivia Armes to claim top spot on the 200m medley relay team. Rio Quarry was the highest placed boy in the same age category, finishing 2nd on the 100m breast (1:12:46). Rio then joined Jack Howard, Daniel Holmes and Spencer Beattie to claim 2nd and 3rd finishes on both the 200m free and medley relay teams. Emily Lawrence who is only 15, was specifically asked to race tough through this competition and being made to race against the open women. She finished 2nd on the 100 breaststroke (1:14:15) and then joined up with Sammy Jo (28:66), Rachel Ritchie (27:5), Lizzie Woodcock (27:4), Olivia Armes (28:3) and Katie Jepson (27:2) to win the cannon relay. Will Ritchie fronted our open mens team winning the 200 IM with a best time (2:09:28) and then placed 5th on the 100m free (54:91). Kenan Yeung finished in 2nd spot on the 100m breast (1:06:07) and hit the fastest relay split (24:2) to help the cannon relay team finish 2nd with Matt Monks (25:0), George Robinson (25:3), Rob Hamer (25:3), James Parker (25.5) and Will Ritchie (25:1). Rob Hamer won his 100m fly individual convincingly with a time of 58:23. He joined up with Matt Monks, Dean Heaps and Kenan Yeung to come 1st in the men s open 200 medley team relay.

10 ASA North west region winter championships Taking place in Liverpool over the bonfire weekend in November, Preston had a very successful regional championships. On day 1 there was a clean sweep of GOLD medals on all the relays PSC contested in. Whilst most of the clubs national finalists and medallists were only competing in their secondary events the club still made a good showing. Kenan Yeung placed 2nd on the 200 breast. Lizzie Woodcock raced a fantastic 100 fly to finish 3rd quickest 14yr old with a time of 1:07:56. Chloe Cottam also had a smashing race finishing with a PB - 1:08:96. Billy Dewhurst continued his fantastic short course form as he was the fastest 15 year old on the 100m free with a 54:86. In the same event, Matt Monks was narrowly outside his best with 55:85.

11 In 50m heats Olivia Armes finished with 28:92, Imogen Moss on 29:07 and Chloe Cottam on 29:76. Emily Lawrence got the silver medal and Elisabeth Woodcock came 4 th in the finals. The afternoon session saw more success for swimmers defending the red caps of PSC. Olivia Armes spearheaded the girls side with a 2:11:93 to finish in 8th overall position. Elizabeth Wafer was the 4th fastest 14yr old 200IM swimmer, just missing her PB but then produced a fantastic second leg split to help the 800m freestyle relay team to victory. 16 year old James Parker is one of our most improved middle distance freestyle swimmers. His time of 4:18:26 helped him finish 9th overall. At the same meet 12 months ago James hit a time of 4:27:57! Jack Howard raced well on both the 200m fly and 50m breaststroke. Morgan Gilmore, Rio Quarry, Nathan Smith and Will Ritchie all competed in the 50m breast! On day 2 the relay teams made yet another clean sweep of GOLD medals. Emily Lawrence fronted the girls "A" team breaking the magical 60 second barrier for the first time! Elizabeth Wafer then took over to put PSC five seconds in front of their closest rivals by the half way mark with a time of 1:00:8. Olivia Armes and Lizzie Woodcock then wrapped things up with a couple of 1:00 splits for the A team to finish in a time of 4:01:42. The "B" team narrowly missed out on the bronze with Jess Millar heading up that team in a time of 1:04:76. Imogen Moss and Emma Tabernacle both hit very good 1:03s with Chloe Cottam on 1:02:36. Well done girls! The boys 4x100 free team also run out convincing winners in front of Prescot and Benington. Kenan Yeung led from the start (55:0) and handed over to Matt Monks (53:6) by which time the A team had a two second lead. Billy Dewhurst then doubled that lead with a (55:6) and George Robinson (57:0) then raced in to claim the gold. Daniel Holmes started the B team off aiming to break the minute for the first time and did just that! His split of 59:65 put the team in a healthy position as he handed over to Jack Howard who split 59:38. Harry Robinson (1:03:2) and James Parker (56:4) ensured the B team finished a strong 6th position overall. Individually, Billy Dewhurst had the standout race of the day with yet another national qualifying time and finishing as the second fastest 15yr old. His time of 2:13:99 on the 200IM will see him eligible to compete at Ponds Forge in December. There were then too many very good performances from across the whole team. Congratulations to all of our competitors - Emily Lawrence, Chloe Cottam, Lizzie Woodcock, Elizabeth Wafer, Olivia Armes, Billy Dewhurst,Morgan Gilmore, Nathan Smith, Will Ritchie, Jess Millar, Imogen Moss Rio Quarry, Kenan Yeung, Matt Monks, James Parker, George Robinson and Jack Howard.

12 Blackpool Lights An autumn weekend of racing was successful for PSC at the Blackpool Lights gala. During two days of competition, there were many PBs and medals for all age groups. PSC were well represented at this meet by younger swimmers, who were very successful over the course of the weekend. PSC gained 47 medals from this meet 18 Gold, 17 Silver and 12 Bronze. For the girls in the age 9 Category, Zahara Muhammad achieved Gold (100 Breaststroke) and Silver (200 Breaststroke). For the 10s, Lily Yau won Gold (50 Backstroke) and Silver (100 Backstroke and 50 Breaststroke). Martha Millar took Gold (100 Individual Medley) and Ellie Rogerson Bronze ( Backstroke). Evie Coupe was on form for the age 11s taking Speeding Tickets (50 Fly, 100 Freestyle and 100 Individual Medley), Gold (100 Fly) and Silver (50 Backstroke). Katelyn Croasdale Clegg won Gold (200 Breaststroke) and Amity Jones achieved Bronze (100 Individual Medley and 200 Breaststroke). Lauren Airey took Silver (200 Fly). For the Age 12s, Ella Newton achieved Speeding Tickets (200 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, 50 Freestyle, 100 Fly), Bronze (200 Fly and 50 Breaststroke). Caitlin O Brien won Gold (200 Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke), Silver (50 Fly) and Bronze (100 Breaststroke). Amber Mann achieved Gold (200 Individual Medley). Rebecca Moore representing the age 17s, came away with Silver (50 breaststroke). In the age 9 category, the boys were on form with Emil Dawkins (Speeding Tickets 50 fly, 200 Backstroke, 100 freestyle and Gold 200 breaststroke and Silver 100 Individual Medley), Harvey Kinnear (Speeding Tickets 100 breaststroke, 200 freestyle, 200 Backstroke, 100 freestyle and Gold 100 Individual Medley and Silver 50 fly) and James Wilkinson (Speeding Tickets 50 Breaststroke, 200 Individual Medley, 200 Freestyle) leading the way. Harry Snape took Gold in 50 freestyle, Daniel Dable secured Silvers in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Fly and Harry Steel won Bronze in 50 Breaststroke. In the age 10s, Leo Jessop achieved Speeding Tickets (50 Backstroke, 200 Freestyle) Gold (100 Backstroke) and Bronze (100 breaststroke). Michael Mann took Speeding Ticket (50 freestyle), Gold (200 backstroke), and Silver (200 breaststroke). Harry Lee took Bronze (200 Individual Medley). For the age 11s, Oliver Covill received a Speeding Ticket (50 fly) and Nathan Thomas took Bronze (100 Backstroke and 50 Freestyle). For the age 12s, Ben Rogerson gained Speeding Tickets (100 Breaststroke and 100 Backstroke) and Gold (50 Backstroke and 50 Breaststroke). Age13s were ably represented by Thomas Douglas with Gold (100 Freestyle), Silver (200 Backstroke, 50 freestyle) and Bronze (50 Backstroke). Spencer Beattie received Speeding Ticket (100 Individual Medley), Gold (50 Fly) and Silver (100 Fly). Nicholas Edwards gained Gold (200 Backstroke), and Silver (50 and 100 Backstroke.) Age Speeding Ticket Gold Silver Bronze Total

13 Wigan Future Stars November saw PSC attend the Wigan Future Stars gala where there were many successful swims. For the girls in the age 9 Category, Georgia Scott achieved Gold (100 Individual Medley), Silver (200 Breaststroke, 200 Backstroke, 50 Freestyle, 50 Backstroke, 200 Individual Medley) and Bronze (50 Breaststroke and 200 Freestyle). For the 10s, Martha Millar won Bronze (400 Freestyle and 200 Breaststroke). Lauren Airey was on form for the age 11s taking Gold (400 Freestyle). For the Age 12s, Ella Newton took Bronze (400 Individual Medley) and Menna Shirras won Bronze (50 Fly). In the age 13s, Khirstine Williams came away with Gold (200 breaststroke) and Imogen Moss won Silver (50 Freestyle) and Bronze (200 Breaststroke and 200 Backstroke). In the age 9 Category, the boys were on form with Emil Dawkins winning Gold (50 freestyle), Silver (50 Backstroke) and Bronze (50 fly and 200 Freestyle). Harvey Kinnear took Silver (50 breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke) and Bronze (100 Individual Medley). In the age 10s, Johnny Gibbs led the way with Gold (200 Backstroke, 50 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle and 50 Breaststroke). Leo Jessop achieved Silver (200 Backstroke, 100 Breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke and 100 Freestyle) Bronze (50 breaststroke). For the age 11s, Oliver Covill received a Silver (200 Individual Medley) and for the 12s, Nathan Holmes took Gold (200 Backstroke) and Bronze (400 Freestyle). Ben Rogerson Gold (50 Fly) and Adam Tabernacle Gold (200 Fly), Silver (100 Fly) and Bronze (50 Fly). Age13s were represented by Spencer Beattie with Silver (100 Freestyle, 100 Individual Medley and 50 Fly), Bronze (50 Freestyle). Thomas Douglas received Bronze (100 Individual Medley). PSC gained 49 medals from this meet 10 Gold, 24 Silver and 14 Bronze Age Gold Silver Bronze Total Total

14 PSC Christmas Countdown Meet PSC marked the end of 2016 with its annual Christmas Countdown which proved to be a truly festive occasion. While Darwin brass band played carols and Santa and Mrs Clause shared Yuletide wishes, visitors queued to sample the delights of the newly opened café PSC. This event is a success because of the army of parent volunteers who make it happen, helping with everything from entry at the door to swimmer marshalling, officiating, race administration and providing refreshments for the officials and coaches. The club entered a strong team of swimmers who all put in great performances. Nine year old Georgia Scott started the ball rolling claiming 3 gold and 4 bronze medals along with Tilly Burton and Sophie Prince who both received gold in 50 breast and 100 fly. The 9 yr boys looked strong with James Wilkinson scooping a mammoth 6 gold and 5 silver medals. Harvey Kinnear collected 3 gold and 3 silver along with Emil Dawkins who received 4 silver and a bronze 100 back. Ten year old Johnny Gibbs also collected 6 gold and a silver 100 back while team mate Leo Jessop received gold 100 back, silver 50 back and three bronze. For the 10 yr girls Ellie Moran took silver 100 breast along with 3 bronze, Martha Millar bronze 200 back and silver 200 free and Lily Yau silver 50 free. Oliver Covill 11 yrs swept the board with 5 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals. Francesca Armstrong also 11 yrs took 2 bronze in 200 breast and 100 free and Lauren Airey a silver medal for her fantastic 200 back. The 12 yr girls were out in force with Amber Mann taking 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze, Caitlin O Brien 3 bronze and a silver 400 free. Ella Newton was awarded one medal of each colour and Menna Shirras took a gold 100 fly, finally Olivia Hanson a bronze 400 free. The 12 yr old boys picked up a remarkable 17 medals. Ben Rogerson 7 including 5 gold, Adam Tabernacle 3 silver and 4 bronze along with Nathan Holmes gold 50 breast, silver 100 back and bronze 100 fly. In the 13 yr age group Harry Robinson collected 2 gold and 3 silver, Spencer Beattie silver 50 back and bronze 50 fly along with Nicolas Edwards 3 medals which including gold in 50 back. For the 13 yr girls Imogen Moss claimed 4 gold and silver in 100 breast, Khirstine Williams 3 silver and bronze 100 breast with Gabrielle Parker taking 2 bronze in 100 back and fly. The 14 yr age group were on form with Jack Howard taking 8 gold and bronze 100 free, Daniel Holmes two gold and bronze 100 fly, Morgan Gilmore two silver in 50 and 200 breast and Nathan Smith gold 50 breast. The 14 yr

15 girls were not to be outdone. Elizabeth Woodcock received 4 gold medals, Emma Tabernacle 2 silver and 2 bronze, Elizabeth Wafer 2 silver and gold 200 fly and Jessica Millar gold for her fantastic 400 free. The 15 yr / over age group produced confident performances from veterans Rob Hamer in 100 fly and Dean Heaps in 100 breast. George Robinson smashed the 100 breast and took gold along with silver and bronze in 400 free and 200 IM, Kennan Yeung 2 gold and a silver 100 fly, James Parker silver 400 free, Rio Quarry gold 50 fly and William Ritchie gold 400 free. For the girls Emily Lawrence received 4 gold, Chloe Cottam 2 gold and 2 silver and Olivia Armes 2 silver and a bronze 100 free. Several other swimmers from across the age groups were also in attendance including Katelyn Crossdale Clegg, Melissa Hughes-Smith, Jessica Wafer, Ellie Burns, Evie Melia, Evie Coupe, Harry Lee, Ellie Rogerson, Emma Mews, William Murray, Nathan Thomas, Michael Mann, Esha Biyani, Zahara Muhammad, Lucie Jackson, Taylor Griffiths, Grace Wareing- Yeulett, Nicole Lutaaya, Hannah O Brien, Elizabeth Quayle, Sarah Prince Rebecca Moore, Morgan Hanson, Ethan Fielding, Daniel Dable and Harry Snape.

16 Independent Schools Association North Area Swimming Gala The girls won Under 11 girls and boys Under 11 boys at the Independent Schools Association North Area Swimming Gala. Zahara came 1st in breaststroke with a time of and 2nd in freestyle she is off to the finals in London for individual breast and relay Sophie Prince James Wilkinson and Oliver Corvill all made the finals in January. Thank you to you and your fantastic coaches for your dedication to these lucky children.

17 Competition Timetable January Lancashire County Championships Manchester All Qualifiers February Lancashire County Championships Manchester All Qualifiers 11 Sub League A&B Darwen Selected team TBC PSC Distance Gala West View TBA BUCS Sheffield University 26 Micro League Sharks Southport Selected team March FFN Golden Tour Marseille Select only Sheffield Premier Meet Sheffield Top, A2, A1 26 Micro league Seals Southport Selected team April Harrogate Harrogate Development British Championships / Selection Trials Sheffield All Qualifiers 22 Sub league A&B Blackpool Selected team British Paralympic Trials Sheffield All Qualifiers 29 Roses Lancaster vs York Lancaster University North West Regional Championships Manchester Youth / Seniors May Manchester Open Meet Manchester TBC 13 Micro League Sharks 3:30pm West View Selected team 20 North West Regional Championships Liverpool Age Groupers 21 Micro League Seals Leyland Selected team North West Regional Championships Manchester Age Groupers TBC Blackpool Rocks Blackpool Development

18 Varsity News from LUSWP BUCS Short Course Championships 2016 LUSWP travelled to Ponds Forge for the 2016 BUCS Short Course Championships 6 weeks into the new University season. Morale was boosted by the presence of Samir Ahmed on poolside for the first time during competition since the partnership between our clubs started. This combined with a strong influx of first year students and anticipation for the first meet of the season saw some really positive results produced by the LUSWP swimmers. A 65% PB conversion rate in a November meet was a big positive and testament to work done by Captains Jack Keeler and Max Nozedar who work in conjunction with Samir on poolside at the University. On top of this 4 University Records were broken two a piece for Will Beavan (100/200m FR) and Cheyma Le Falher (400/800m FR) and the club scored an all-time high 4 BUCS points at the meet. The points were all scored by Will who placed 17 th in the 100m FR (51.33) and 20 th in the 200m FR ( ) with both events being won by Olympian Duncan Scott from the University of Stirling. The LUSWP Swimmer of the Meet was awarded to Freshman Cameron Jones who recorded two strong PBs in the 100/200m Backstroke in times of and respectively. Cameron has trained exceptionally well since arriving at the University from Winsford SC in September and continues to improve in his favoured backstroke events on the University programme. Another swimmer who has stepped up well since his September arrival from City of Leeds SC is Carl Smith. Carl competed in the 50/100m FR at Short Course and achieved PB times of and 54.41, recognition for the hard work put in in the pool and the gym over the last 3 months. Finally, a big shout out to Samir for joining us in Sheffield and making a huge difference to race preparation and tactics. Fantastic work from all involved and onto the next one!

19 Thank you to all our contributors this month, both of photographs and narrative HandsBeattie photos who provided the cover picture and Winter Countdown photos, Judith Williams and Cathy Moss who provided the gala reports and Lawrence Copeland for the Varsity news. If any parent has a swimming related story to share, such as a biathlon, charity or school event, or would like to help by covering any of the galas, then please send your contributions through to Mel Greenslade - mgreenslade65@outlook.com Contact Information Head Coach - Samir Ahmed Tel: headcoach@swimpreston.co.uk Head Age Group Coach - Jess Wilkie Tel: jess@swimpreston.co.uk Head of Junior Swimming - Paul Davison pmd_1983@yahoo.co.uk All lesson enquiries should be directed to Head of Teaching Kim Armston lessons@swimpreston.co.uk