Chard swimmers have had another successful weekend of competition, with a total of 27 swimmers aged nine to 16 competing at the Exeter Open Meet, where they were runners–up for the Top Club Award writes Hannah Pullinger.

South West Counties Regional Times were achieved during the day by six of the swimmers. Susan Ross, 12, achieved her first ever qualifying time in the 100m backstroke with a time of 1.19.16. Tessa Down, 14, also added 100m backstroke as a new time, as well as achieving times in 100 & 200m breaststroke. Other qualifying times were achieved by Hannah Pullinger, 15, 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m backstroke, and 50m backstroke, Abigail Dare, 14, 200m Individual Medley, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly, Elisha Hawkins, 12, 100m and 200m breaststroke and Jake Hallam, 15, 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, and 200m Individual Medley.

There was some outstanding swimming with 62 top three positions and many personal best times.

Gold medals were won by Hannah Pullinger, 15, in 50m and 100m breaststroke, Abi Dare in 200m Individual Medley, 50/100m butterfly, Tessa Down, 14, 50/100/200m breaststroke, 50/100m backstroke and 100m Individual Medley, Melissa Hanson, 13, 100/200m backstroke and 200m freestyle, Lauren Harrison, 14, 200m butterfly, Susan Ross 200m freestyle, Hope Horsfield, 12, 50m freestyle, Tamsin Edge, 11, 200m breaststroke, India Woodhams, 10, 50m breaststroke. Other Golds were won by Jake Hallam, 15, 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, and 200m Individual Medley, Joe Spurway, 14, 100m backstroke and Jamie Pullinger, 13, 100m Individual Medley.

Silver medals were won by: Hannah Pullinger 50/100m backstroke, 50/100m freestyle, Billie-Jo Dance, 14, 200m butterfly, Abi Dare 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle, Lauren Harrison, 200 freestyle, 200m backstroke, and 100m butterfly, Melissa Hanson, 13, 50m backstroke, Elisha Hawkins, 12, 100/ 200m Individual Medley, 100/200m breaststroke, Abi Bonning, 11, 50m freestyle, Joe Spurway 200m backstroke, 200m Individual Medley, Oliver Bilbie, ,13, 100 backstroke and 50m freestyle, Iain Ross, 12, 200m freestyle and 200m Individual Medley, Lewis Pearson , 12, 50m backstroke.

Bronze medals went to: Jamie Pullinger (13) 50m backstroke, Paul Harrison (12) 200m backstroke, Iain Ross (12) 200m breaststroke, Lewis Pearson (12) 200m freestyle, Nathan Roberts (14) 200m freestyle, 50, 100 & 200m backstroke, Alex Phillips (14) 50 & 100m breaststroke, Hannah Pullinger (15) 200m freestyle, Billie-Jo Dance (14) 100m butterfly, Tessa Down (14) 100m freestyle, and Hope Horsfield (12) 50m butterfly.

Other swimmers taking part at Exeter included Leo Bonning, Florence Swan, Daniella Edge, Lauren Real, Helen Underwood and Henry Taswell many of whom achieved personal best times.

Chard Swimming Club are always looking for new members; if you would like to find out more or arrange a free trial please visit our web-site at www.chardswimming.org.uk