Local swimmers of Chard & District Swimming Club competed at the Somerset Age Group & Championships 2010 over the weekend of February 20-21 and what a successful weekend it was writes Steph Hallam.

Local swimmers of Chard & District Swimming Club competed at the Somerset Age Group & Championships 2010 over the weekend of February 20-21 and what a successful weekend it was writes Steph Hallam.

A number of swimmers obtained South West Region qualifying times (SWRQT) and South West Region consideration times (SWRCT) with many club records and personal bests being achieved.

The relay teams were in superb form, competing amongst the best clubs in Somerset and returning home with a collection of medals.

Jake Hallam, 13, excelled over the two days with four SWRQTs. Hallam was 3rd in the 200m butterfly (2.27.85) which was a 14 years and under club record and put him 7th in the 200m male butterfly championship, receiving medals for both positions. He also swam in the 100m breaststroke (1-18.32) receiving a 3rd place medal in the 14 years age group.

He continued to shine in the 100m backstroke (1-09.05) and in the final event of the weekend, the 400m freestyle; he achieved (4-37.69) which was a new 14 years and under club record.

Abigail Dare, 12, also enjoyed success with her first ever 100m backstroke SWRQT of (1-14.32) which was an improvement on her existing 12 years and under club record. Dare was also on top of her game in the 100m butterfly where she swam an impressive (1.17.65) and was rewarded with a new 12 years and under club record which she previously held. Luke van den Barselaar, 14, achieved 2 SWRQTs, one in the 100m backstroke with a time of (1.09.26) and the other in the 200m backstroke with an impressive personal best time of (2-28.84).

Jamie Pullinger, 11, achieved his SWRQT in the 200m backstroke with a time of (2.48.61) whilst his sister Hannah Pullinger, 14, obtained the 14 years and under club record in 400m freestyle in a time of 5-07.17.

In the (13/14years) relay, both the girls and boys teams obtained podium finishes in all four events, taking bronze medal position every time. The 4 x 50m medley and 4 x 50m freestyle girls team consisted of Jodie Hake, Hannah Pullinger, Tarina Francis and Madeline Ryder. The 4 x 50m medley and 4 x 50m freestyle boys' team members were, Luke van den Barselaar, Daniel Walker, Jake Hallam and Jamie Spiller.

The (9 to 16 yrs) junior relay teams were in fine form. The girls' 4 x 50m medley, Beckie Rutherford, Tessa Down, Tarina Francis and Madeline Ryder and the girls' 4 x 50m freestyle Madeline Ryder, Catherine Ryder, Hannah Pullinger, and Beckie Rutherford came 2nd in both events collecting silver medals.

The boys continued their success in the 4 x 50m medley with Luke van den Barselaar, Daniel Walker, Jack Fish and James Rutherford, winning silver medals and in the 4 x 50m freestyle boys, Jack Fish, James Rutherford, Luke van den Barselaar and Jake Hallam came an impressive 4th.

Top eight individual age group positions were awarded to: 10 yrs - Lewis Pearson came 7th in the 400m freestyle. 11 yrs - Jamie Pullinger was 3rd and obtained a medal in the 200m butterfly, 4th in the 200m backstroke and 7th in the 400m freestyle. Elsie Emery was 3rd and obtained a medal in the 100m butterfly and 8th in the 100m individual medley.

Oliver Bilbie came 5th in the 200m backstroke and 6th in the 400m freestyle. 12 yrs: Lauren Harrison was 4th in the 400m freestyle, 5th in the 200m breaststroke and 8th in the 100m backstroke 13 yrs: Abigail Dare was 7th in the 100m backstroke and 8th in the 200m breaststroke. 14 yrs: Jake Hallam was 3rd in the 200m butterfly and the 100m breaststroke, 5th in the 100m backstroke and 400m freestyle. Luke van den Barselaar was 6th in the 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke and 8th in the 400m freestyle. Ben Fowler was 7th in the 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke. 15 yrs: James Rutherford, came 7th in the 200m backstroke.

Other swimmers participating, many of whom obtained personal bests, were: Rosie Bolton, Bea Brett, Abigail Bonning, Marsha Emery, Susan Ross, Ella Harvey, Laura Coombs, Naomi Speake. Iain Ross, Jay Kindred and Adam Speake.

Swimmers from the club will also be competing in the Somerset Age Group & Championships during the weekends of March 6/7 and March 13/14.