Fouracre Agonisingly Close

A small Swindon Dolphin contingent were in action last weekend at the Swim Swansea Long Course Open Meet at the Wales National Pool, seeking valuable race preparation for the forthcoming Regional ‘Bagcat’ Championships or a last opportunity to scoop some long course ‘Youth’ National Qualifying Times (NQTs).

On the opening day of racing it seemed a promising start for Jose Prunty who appeared on course for her first NQT in the 1500m freestyle, only to be forced to stop due to injury with just 300m to go. There were just rewards for distance freestyler Nick Southern in the 400m event, taking a bronze medal in the 15-16 year age group.

Liam Herbert, looking to add to his two backstroke National Qualifying Times, came within a few percent of the mark in the 100m and 200m freestyle, picking up a silver medal in the shorter freestyle event and two bronze in his favoured 100m and 200m backstroke. Cathal Westman scooped a full set of gold, silver and bronze in the 50m, 200m and 100m breaststroke swims while Mel Agius took a silver and bronze in the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly. John Drake put on a brave performance in the 200m butterfly,taking a bronze medal and will want to continue his winning streak as he looks forward to the British Masters, Long Course competition in June.

James Clark showed good form in the 200m individual medley by reaching the ‘skins’ final and held his nerve to survive the first three rounds and finish in a creditable fifth place. In the men’s 50m freestyle event, Richard Fouracre was eager to make a return to the Nationalstage and agonisingly came within three one hundredths of a second of making the grade.

Competing as part of Swindon Swim Squad, the Dolphin Bagcats are in action at the South West Regional Championships on 7th-8th June and 14th-15th June.

Source: Swindon Dolphin Press Team