CHARD & District Swimming Club had 23 county qualifiers this year taking part in the Somerset County Championships held at Millfield School over four weekends.
THis was despite a last-minute change in rules which meant a number of youngsters were disappointingly unable to take part.
However, Chard swimmers make their mark, with 64 personal best times achieved, and nine swimmers reaching finals and achieving no less than 35 top-eight positions between them.
Finalists from the club were: Hannah Pullinger (20), Xanthe Dyer (14), Millie Downes (12), Briana Barrand (12), Grace Lambert (11), Henry Taswell (15), Simon Davis (15), Joss Copeman (14), and Leo Kindred (15).
Medal positions were achieved by four swimmers: Simon Davis (15), third in 400m individual medley, Millie Downes (12), second 100m breaststroke and third 50m breaststroke, Grace Lambert (11), second in 50m and 100m breaststroke, and Henry Taswell (15), first 1500m freestyle, second 400m freestyle, third 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke.
Thirty nine SW regional times were achieved during the four weeks of competition by eleven swimmers: Henry Taswell, Simon Davis, Leo Kindred, Joss Copeman, Jimmy Brett, Hannah Pullinger, Xanthe Dyer, Briana Barrand, Millie Downes, Abi Greenslade and Grace Lambert. Taswell and Lambert also achieved new short course club records; Taswell in 1500m freestyle, 50 and 200m backstroke, and Lambert in 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
The other swimmers achieving vounty times and competing at these championships were: Jamie Pullinger (17), Paul Harrison (17), Iain Ross (16), Megan Herbert (14), Harriet Copeman (13), Jamie Porter (13), Louis Whittome (12), Abi Herbert (12), Mia Huntley (12), Mia Porter (11), Esme Huntley (10), and Kaitlyn Flannigan (10).
A club spokesman said: "Congratulations to all swimmers who achieved the standard to qualify and compete at these championships, and thank you to head coach June Turner for being with the swimmers all these weekends.
"Swimmers of the month January for achieving the most points in galas were Grace Lambert and Simon Davis.
"We are always looking for new members interested in competitive swimming particularly age seven upwards; anyone interested in joining the club can come along for a free trial."
Contact the club website at chardswimming.org.uk
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