THE journey to Plainmoor to take part in Torquay Leander Swimming Club's 18th Christmas Sprint Meet (50m of each stroke plus 100m individual medley) proved fruitful for 22 members of Tavistock Swimming Club.
For ten of the swimmers —Olivia Bates, Maddie Handel, Maddie Benyon, Emily Attfield, James Anderson, Beth Benyon, Timothy Peden, Sophie Anderson, Joseph Attfield and Alexandra Stoecker — this was their first visit to the meet, but nearly all the participants gained personal best times and several won trophies.
In the ten year old boys, Jordan Channon came third in the backstroke, while Harry Thompson (11 years) came third in the freestyle. Kieran Rookes (also 11 years) had a very productive meet, winning first places in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and individual medley and a third place in the butterfly. The points from these events earned him an award for top swimmer in the boys' 11 years.
In the thirteen year old girls, Alexandra Stoecker gained two third places in the breaststroke and individual medley races.
The 14 years and over category is always fiercely competitive. For the ladies, Kirsty Best (17) gained second place in the breaststroke, third in the individual medley and fourth in the freestyle.
In the men's events, Michael Best (19) came first in the breaststroke, second in the individual medley and fourth in both the backstroke and butterfly.
Jason Butler (20) swam to a fourth place in the freestyle event. Gareth Williams (23) enjoyed a particularly profitable meet, coming first in the freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events, second in the backstroke and fourth in the breaststroke, which earned him the title of top swimmer in the 14/O men's age group.
Also taking part were Peter Jarman, Kate Pilkington, Abigail Best, Will Carter and Nathaniel Rookes.
Thanks are due to the coaches and all the enthusiastic supporters, who accompanied the swimmers.
l If you are interested in joining Tavistock Swimming Club, please call Sheila Radgick on 01822 618272.