City of Sunderland Swimmers Strike Gold at Disability Youth Champs – By Mike Wylie
Matt Wylie and Nicole Lough from the City of Sunderland Performance Squad travelled to Ponds Forge, Sheffield on the 2 and 3 March, to compete as part of the ASA North East Team at the DSE Junior and Youth National Championships. Â This is a National Competition for Disability swimmers up to the age of 18 years, where swimmers compete against others in their own individual Classification.
Matt competed in 6 events over the weekend, and was crowned S9 class National Youth Champion in the 400m freestyle, Â 100m Backstroke, 100m Individual Medley and 100m freestyle. Â Matt also secured Silver medals in the 50m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley.
Matt also swam as part of 34 point 4×100 relay team that finished in Bronze Medal position.
Nicole competing at her last DSE Junior and Youth Nationals competed in 3 events.  Nicole achieved gold and the National Youth Champion title in the S14 Classification 100m Breaststroke event.  In addition, Nicole took silver medals  in the S14 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle.
Overall the ASA North East Team finished in second position, behind the team from the ASA East.