Dolphin Set the Pace in Annual Open Meet

Swindon Dolphin’s annual End of Season Open Meet at the Link Centre on Saturday attracted a record number of entries as swimmers from all over the South West region and beyond were given a final chance to improve their times before the close season break.  

The visiting teams received a warm welcome, but Dolphin swimmers raised the temperature in the pool with some very fine performances.  James Clark and Victoria Tainty notched up a total of five first place finishes in their age groups, with Sam Berry, Megan Jones, Joe Kerslake, Lauren Matthews, Cathal Westman and Niall Westman weighing in with four apiece. Matthews emerged as Dolphin’s leading medal winner, adding four silvers and two bronze medals to her collection.  Returning from the National Age Group competition, Liam Herbert continued his good form, accumulating five speeding tickets for exceeding the maximum entry time for a Level 3 meet.  In total approaching fifty Dolphins achieved podium finishes.

Organiser, Tony Stratford, once again managed an excellent gala and the increasing number of clubs and swimmers participating is testimony to an event that is deservedly growing in popularity.  Special mention must also be made of race commentator, Steve Cryer, who was still putting as much energy and enthusiasm into the last race as he did on the opening event of the day, and to the many officials and helpers who made for a very professionally run gala.

Source: Swindon Dolphin Press Team