Double glory for Northumberland and Durham and Olszewska destroys personal best

There was double medal glory for Northumberland and Durham while Barnet Copthall’s Nadia Olszewska destroyed her personal best in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle at the Swim England National Summer Meet.

Session four of the competition saw seven heat declared winner races, with great determination, endurance, and – of course – skill, on display.

Super Olszewska destroys personal best

In the 12/13 Years age group, Olszewska demolished her personal best by more than half a minute to grab gold.

She set a fantastic time of 18:06.49 to claim an incredible victory and the national title.

Olszewska’s closest challenger was Mei Yuasa, who posted 18:27.17. The City of Leeds swimmer’s strength in the latter stages meant that she just edged Elmbridge Phoenix Swimming Club’s Darcey Arnold to silver, with only 0.61 seconds between the pair.

Double medal glory

Northumberland and Durham Performance Programme Swimming Club enjoyed a very successful afternoon on day two, with two of their swimmers picking up medals.

Jessica Thomas was awarded a well-deserved gold for posting a brilliant time of 18:06.44 in the 15 Years age group.

Molly Gould, meanwhile, recorded 18:16.49 which saw her pick up silver in the 16 Years event.

Ashford comes out on top following gripping battle

The 17 Years and over race was an enthralling three-horse race between Louise Ashford, Harriet Oxley, and Gemma Dilks.

For multiple laps, the trio could not be separated. However, as the race entered its final 500m, Ashford broke away and opened up a healthy lead over her rivals, who persisted in their tireless pursuit of the leader.

It looked as though Repton Swimming’s Oxley was going to catch Ashford right at the death, but the Maidenhead swimmer’s advantage was just too great, and the 18-year-old Ashford held on – setting a time of 17:54.16 to take gold.

Oxley’s silver medal-winning time was 17:55.32 and Dilks, representing Tiverton Swimming Club, secured bronze in 17:57.85.

Dennett deserved win

The 14 Years age group saw Lauren Dennett of Isle of Man Swimming Club record 18:19.70 to secure the gold medal.

Bianca Stavar Albarral deservedly won silver. The Lancing College swimmer’s steady pace resulted in her time of 18:27.82.

City of Leicester’s Esmee Slinn posted 18:32.61 to narrowly seal bronze. Annabelle Cooper, representing Wycombe District Swimming Club, finished just 0.48 seconds behind her in fourth.

Walker and Latham make podium

Northumberland and Durham Performance Programme’s Thomas was the national champion in the 15 Years Age Group, but joining her on the podium was Jennifer Walker and Tiffany Latham.

The Bassetlaw Swim Squad athlete, Walker, produced a silver-winning time of 18:27.09.

Latham, representing Royal Wolverhampton, earned bronze by finishing inside 18:33.57.

Hands takes gold

In the 16 Years, Evie Hands of Nuneaton Swimming Club occupied top spot on the podium thanks to a quick time of 18:04.50.

A consistent performance from City of Salford’s Cara Tohill led to her coming in behind Northumberland and Durham’s Gould and going home with a bronze medal.

Story written by Lewis Heyn.

Images: Morgan Harlow