Dolphins club perseveres (From Free Press Series)

Dolphins club perseveres

At the recent East Wales Swimming Championships, Pontypool Dolphins showed how well the club is surviving despite the continued closure of Pontypool Leisure centre.

As the club breaking the most records and with personal best times being recorded in three quarters of their swims, Head Coach Allen Harvey was justifiably pleased with his swimmers' excellent results. Many people commented on both the stunning performances and the wonderful team spirit being shown by the Dolphins at this event.

Among these brilliant swims, the records seemed to be tumbling again for Robert Backmore who broke a remarkable six East Wales records and won five gold and three silver medals. Rachael Bennett and Daniel Woods both broke four records, with Rachael winning four events and finishing second in another race and Daniel taking three gold medals. Rebecca Roden and James Hanrahan had two record breaking swims each as well as four other podium places.

Other swimmers who can be very proud of their gold medals include Liam Norman, whose brave swim in the 1500 metres meant he led right from the start and was never overtaken during this gruelling 60 lengths race, and Amy-Leigh Kennedy whose much improved technique led to three well deserved victories. Another young lady showing style and stamina was Emily Paul, who was on the podium for no less than five events among which was an inspiring and determined silver medal swim in the 800 metres event. Other well won podium places went to Chris Bennett, Louise Osborne, Andrew Russell, Shannon Southgate and Kathryn Reed. Swimming a variety of strokes and not being afraid to have a go at some longer swims, they should all feel very proud of their excellent achievements.

Other finalist medals were won by Amy Israel, Chelsie Yeates, Thomas Barron, Lauren Parfitt, Ellis Best and Chris Waters; and youngsters Jack Brown and Kane James also swam personal best times. There were three wins, four silvers and two more records also achieved in relay events.

With teams which were made up of the swimmers already mentioned, plus 11-year-old Megan Israel, the squad must consider the two weekends spent in the new and splendid Newport pool as time well spent.