Dolphin National Qualifiers Prepare for Climax to Season

Location: Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield

Event: ASA National Age Groups Championships 2007 (50m)

Date: 23 – 26 July

Events: ASA Swim 21 National Youth and ASA National Championships 2007 (50m)

Date: 27 July – 01 Aug

Swindon Dolphin are preparing to take a strong contingent, ranging from the vastly experienced Chris Jones through to 11 year old first time qualifier Sam Berry, to the ASA National Championships at Sheffield. The Championships will be held at the Ponds Forge International Arena over 10 days starting on 23rd July.

Berry will make her bow in the BAGCATS championship, which opens the event, having achieved qualifying times in 400m Individual Medley, 200m free and 100m fly, the diversity of events being evidence of the high standards that she has achieved in all strokes.

Sam is joined in the BAGCATS championship by her 14 year old brother Tim, another first time qualifier, who will be competing in the 200m fly.

The three other BAGCAT entrants are making a return to Sheffield. James Clark, another swimmer with three qualifying times, will be competing in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley and the 200m breaststroke and will be hoping to add to his bronze medals from last year. Cathal Westman, a silver medallist in 2006, will feature in the 14 year breaststroke over both 100m and 200m, and Rosie Wells swims the 100m and 200m backstroke for 13 year old girls. Dolphin are also represented in the age group team events, with qualification for the boys 4x100m Medley relay team of Clark, Westman, Berry and Liam Herbert.

Peter Wasielewski, like Westman a qualifier in the breaststroke events, has chosen not to compete this year.

Bagcats: Back – Liam Herbert, Tim Berry, Rosie Wells, James Clark and Cathal Westman. Front – Samantha Berry

The Youth Championships sees four regular performers on the National stage in their number one strokes. Tilly Gray features in the 100m and 200m fly, Elizabeth Beckett, back after missing out last year, takes part in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, whilst Mark Tanner appears in the 50m and 100m freestyle. Busiest of the Youths though is Mel Aguis, who will be competing in the freestyle over 200m, 400m and 800m.

Youths: Elizabeth Beckett, Tilly Gray, Mark Tanner & Mel Agius

Dolphin’s swimmer with the most qualifications can be found in the open age group Championship. Chris Jones competes at 50m, 100m and 200m in his favoured breaststroke, and has also achieved National standard in 50m and 100m freestyle. He will be joined in the 50m freestyle by Ben Matthews, whilst Jon Audis will be in the 50m and 100m backstroke.

ASA: Ben Matthews, Jon Audis & Chris Jones

Chief Coach Andi Manley is also a qualifier in the 50m freestyle, but will not be competing, preferring to concentrate his time on bringing the best out of the Dolphin swimmers, is clearly pleased with the achievement. “It has been really encouraging to see Dolphin swimmers in such a wide range of events and across all age groups, which is testament to the comprehensive coaching and training programmes we have in place at the club. The swimmers have responded to the target I set at the start of the season and I know that those that have qualified are focussed on maximising their performances in Sheffield which, for some, could well mean semi-final, final or podium positions.”

Chief Coach Andi Manley >

Dolphin also hope to be represented in the national 3,000m event that takes place during the Championships. Nick Southern, a competitor last year, and John Drake are both on the reserve list and will be hoping for the opportunity to swim.