City of Sunderland Age Group Development Squad swimmers competed in the two day Chester-Le-Street Open Meet held at Stanley’s Louisa Centre at the weekend. The gala was a mix of age group events and open events with finals for the open 100m and 50m events.
Thirteen year old Amy Henshaw finished third in the heats of the Women’s Open 50m backstroke event setting a personal best time. Amy then swam in the final, improving her time and clinching 1st place to take home a gold medal.
James Brewerton, fourteen, returning to fine form after a prolonged period of injury, swam to silver position in the 100m backstroke in the 13/14 age group . He set a personal best and gained a regional qualifying time. He added a bronze to his medal haul by finishing third in the 100m butterfly event in the 13/14 age group.
Claiming two podium places in the same event for the club were Jennifer Sharp and Jay Whitehead. The fourteen year olds’ finished second and third respectively in the Women’s Open 200 I/M event with Jay setting a personal best time.
Eve Larsen, twelve, won a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly in a regional qualifying time. Eve also set a personal best in the 200m butterfly to claim her second regional qualifying time of the day.
The club’s other finalist was Callum Walker, 14, who finished in 6th place in the Men’s Open 100m breaststroke final behind much older competitors.
This gala provided a ‘last chance’ to gain qualifying times for the ASA North East Regional Age Group Championships which take place in June. It also provided the opportunity to improve short course times and race technique in a well organised, competitive and enjoyable gala.