Following the rescheduling of their competitions, the Guernsey Swimming Club was able to hold their 1500m freestyle competitions on Wednesday at St Sampsons High School. After lengthy discussions with the Swim England, a level 4 licence was issued for this event and it is possibly one of the first licenced events to take place in the British Isles. This will enable the swimmers to use their times in county and regional events should they take place in the UK in 2021.
A diverse range of swimmers took part ranging from 10 years competing the event for the first time a Para swimmer and master swimmer as well as the more sessional swimmers who have competed at the Island Games. Debut swimmers Olly Stephens (11) and Scarlett-Rose Foss (10) put in some excellent swims leading their heats from start, with Olly taking the boys 13 and under championship in 22:55.95.
Samuel Lowe was the fastest swimmer overall winning the 14 and over age group in a new record time of 16:27.58, Charlie-Joe Hallett took the lead for the first 800m with Samuel Lowe who was seeded in the next lane tucking in behind him keeping up with the pace slowly increasing his speed he passed Charlie-Joe increasing his lead finishing in a new personal best time taking 34 seconds off his entered time. Both swims would be an automatic qualifying time for County championships should they take place next year.
Laura Le Cras swam a steady race improving her entry time by 8 seconds to take first place in 18:56.88 in the 14 & over 1 minute ahead of Hannah Kennedy who had an outstanding swim taking 1 minute and 46 six seconds off her entry time to win the 13 & under girls event both in County qualifying times.
Para swimmer Sarah Whitchurch swam an even race keeping pace with master swimmer Sue Chapman for the 1st 1000 meters just dropping behind to finish outside her personal best time. Is was good to see more of the younger swimmers attempting this endurance race first time swimmers were Tallulah-Mae Routenbach, Immy Bleasdale, Scarlett-Rose Foss, Fiona Fitton, Olly Stephens, Connor De Robilliard, Samuel Cann, Thomas and Robbie Stewart. Next week the Guernsey Swimming Club will hold their 800m freestyle championships.