SEVEN Chard & District members qualified for the South West Regional Swimming Championships this season.

To take part in these championships, swimmers have to achieve the required qualifying times in each event, and this enables them to compete against the top stars in the south west of England.

In the 15 years and over youth group, held at the 50m pool at Plymouth Life Centre, Hannah Pullinger 21, qualified in four events, Henry Taswell, 16, qualified in six events and Xanthe Dyer 15, in two.

Pullinger was unable to compete this year as she was busy with finals at university, Taswell competed through Street Swimming Club where he has been doing top-up training, and Dyer successfully took part in the 50 and 100m breaststroke events, achieving seasonal best times in both events.

A further four 11-14 year younger age group swimmers achieved the qualifying times to compete at their equivalent Regional Championships at Millfield and Bristol – Millie Downes, Briana Barrand, Grace Lambert, and Jimmy

Brett.

Qualification and success in the breaststroke events was strong, with the girls all achieving at least two qualifying times in these events.

Barrand 13, competed in the 50, 100 and 200m breaststroke, and made the final in 100m breaststroke, achieving sixth place.

Downes, also 13, competed in the 50, 100 and 200m breaststroke and made the final in the 50m breaststroke, placing fifth.

Lambert 12, raced in the 50 and 100m breaststroke, and 100m freestyle events, making the final in the 100m freestyle, placing eighth.

All girls achieved personal best times in their events, just edged out of finals in other events, and with some breaststroke times particularly noteworthy, this potentially puts them in the running for invitation to the Summer Nationals in Sheffield during August.

For more information about the club visit their website chard swimming.org.uk