City of Sheffield shine ahead of National Summer Meet finale

The final day of the Swim England National Summer Meet got underway with six medal events taking place ahead of this evening’s finale.

And it was a strong start to the day for the home town club – City of Sheffield – who won three medals across the 800m Freestyle event in session 13.

Sheffield’s own Chloe Cooke was the stand out for the club – winning gold in the 15 years age group. She produced an excellent time of 9:27:32.

Finishing just behind her was Alana Woodhall, who won a deserved silver with a swim of 2:28:93. Izzy Blackhurst was the next to get a medal in a time of 9:33:83 for bronze.

In the final race of the afternoon Nova Centurion Livia Kingsland recorded a huge personal best time of 9:09:24. This time saw her walk away with the gold, meaning Sheffield’s Georgia Robertson was awarded the Silver.

Robertson’s time of 9:11:69 was good enough to see off Soundwell’s Amber Witcombe who came in third with a time of 9:16:44. All three medallists recorded personal best times in this competition.

Northumberland and Durham’s Ella Smith was another swimmer to get her hands on gold after her swim of 9:25:94 in the 14 year olds age group. Ella swam a personal best and was 10 seconds faster than her competitors.

Coming in silver and representing the City of Leicester was Francesca Harrison who swam a 9:34:68. City of Sheffield’s final medallist of the session was Cazia Martin – who was awarded bronze with a time of 9:43:33.

In the 12/13 year olds age group, Olivia Robinson (City of Birmingham) swam an exceptional 9:32:68 to take the top spot. Taking the silver was Barnet Copthall’s Nadia Olszewska followed by Iris Hurst with a time of 9:38:69.

Only three seconds split first and third in the 15 year olds age group. The times achieved for first, second and third were all personal bests for the swimmers.

The gold medal went to Jennifer Walker with a time of 9:35:35. Coming in second and just a whisker away from the top spot was Alicia Bethell recording a strong 9:35:89. Last but least and still taking away the bronze was Elmbridge’s Amy Hempenstall, 9:38:65.

Leckonby wins first gold of the day

Our first final of the day came in the morning session in the Men’s Multi Classification with the 100m Backstroke.

Going into the event Owen Johnson of Repton had the fastest qualifying time, however he only managed to grab a silver medal with his time of 1:15:53 and earned 434 points.

Grabbing the gold just before Johnson was Angus Leckonby. The S14 class swimmer went an impressive 1:14:90 for 437 points. Finally coming in third was Archie Hare with a superb time 1:31:28. Archie, the S15 swimmer, managed to win himself 395 points just edging out fourth place.

Report written by Harrison Butler.

Image: Morgan Harlow