Last Chance at the Link

With the entry closing date for the Wiltshire County Championships looming, last Saturday was the final opportunity for swimmers to achieve qualifying times at the Swindon Dolphin Last Chance Wiltshire Qualifying Open Meet.

In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at The Link Centre, more than 100 swimmers from 7 clubs attended the meet. Competitors were either looking to gain their very first county qualifying time (CQT) or to increase the number of events already qualified for. BAGCAT swimmers in particular were keen to ensure that they had at least one CQT in each of their event categories to maximise their chances of a good overall placing at the County BAGCAT Championships in March.

Existing qualifiers Ben Sarachi, Adam Coleman, Samuel Woolford, Amber Davies, Laura Brown, Eliza Garrrett and Abigail Easter all earned new CQTs to ensure a ‘full-house’ of event categories. Qualifying for the first time were Darren Hague, Kayleigh Bartlett, Harry Mundy, Sean Purvis and Abigail Ross with Thomas Gase also finally booking his place for the second year running.

Amber Davies and Ben Sarachi ~ A 'Full-House' of Qualifying Times

Being a level 4 graded meet, medals were only awarded to swimmers finishing within the entry upper cut-off time. Top earners were Rebecca Saunders with six gold and one silver, and Thomas Newbery with six gold. 23 swimmers swam under the cut-off mark on 45 occasions overall and earned certificates for their efforts with Jack Patey and Kelsea-Mae Jefferies ‘beating the clock’ five times each.