County Glory for 1066 Swimmers

The second weekend of the Sussex County Championships heralded more success for the young swimmers of 1066. In the heart of Crawley's home swimming pool, the K2, a band of 1066's rising stars raided the silverware cabinet after some magnificent performances (virtually all pbs) against the County's elite. Heading the snatch and grab was Victoria Turner,13, who continued the gold medal trail with victory in the 200m backstroke, silver in the 200m I.M, bronze in the 100m butterfly Final and a fourth in the 400m freestyle. But her crowning glory came in the 50m backstroke Open, she qualified as the fastest for the Final and though she was the youngest swimmer she produced another dazzling sprint to be confirmed as Open County Champion. These, along with the first weekend's results, meant Victoria picked up the coveted Top Girl in the thirteen year age group.

Another 1066 starlet, Chloe Pollard,10, swept all before her in the Final of the 50m butterfly to the applause of the packed arena. She then went on to win quite convincingly the 100m and 200m I.M and the medals continued to be draped around her neck, silver in the 200m backstroke and bronze in the 200m freestyle. She then had two six place finishes in the 50m and 200m breaststroke. All her swims where personal bests which is an outstanding achievement. Unluckily for the young swimmer she was edged, by the narrowest of margins, into the runners up position in the Top Girl for the ten year old age group.

Ryan Lee,10, who had the majority of his swims the previous Meet continued his rapid rise to glory by first attaining a place in both the Finals of the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke. Bettering his times once again he gained two more silvers to place in his medal cabinet. Along with his medals goes the runner up plate in the BAGCAT's for the Boys ten year old section.

Ella Watson,11,smashed her previous best to win gold in the 200m breaststroke to endorse 1066's growing reputation in the swimming world. Adam Rouncivell,14,produced a catalogue of fine pb swims which earned him a place in three Finals and with each Final, the 100m backstroke,100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke he collected a silver medal which will see him surely secure a place in next year's Sussex squad. He went on to better his time in the 100m I.M.

1066's youngster competitor at the County Championships Brandon Johnson,9,reached the Final of the 50m backstroke and with a magnificent life times best swim he touched in second, for a silver to adorn his neck. He then lowered his time in the 50m freestyle.

Darius Khalesi,11, was yet another 1066 Finalists this time in the 50m freestyle and again a much improved swim he finished seventh. Charlotte Rouncivell,12, rounded off her Championships with pbs in both the 50m and 200m backstroke. Todd Alsop,17, continued bettering his time in the 50m Freestyle Open.

Head Coach Dave Pollard said "This has been a fantastic Championships for 1066, every swimmer has improved their performances plus a Top Girl award, two runner ups in the BAGCAT's and a bagful of medals shows the club is moving in the right direction. Congratulations to all the swimmers. Now we must plan and develop for next year's Championships."