AT the start of the year 23 swimmers from West Devon entered the British Long Distance Association Swim held at Kelly College and at various other pools throughout the country.
Altogether the 23 swimmers accumulated a massive total of 42.2 miles within 60 minutes which is the equivalent of swimming across the Channel to France – and back!
The idea of the event is to swim as far as possible within one hour. It is open to all ages and abilities of swimmers, from under 10s to 85 years plus.
At Kelly College swimmers from eight to 79 years of age took part, scooping three gold and one silver medals.
Tom Every, aged 11, received a gold medal after swimming an incredible 168 lengths (4,220m). Ella Ellis, nine, swam more than 146 lengths (3,680) and Sam Every, also nine, swam over 144 lengths (3,605m), both scooping gold medals.
Maureen Pearce, aged 61, was awarded with a silver medal after achieving more than 101 lengths (2,535m) and Mary Philpotts at 79 years young came third in her age group after swimming over 53 lengths (1,340m) in the hour.
Almost all of the junior swimmers belong to Kelly College swim squad and train regularly. All the adults come to adult lessons and training sessions at the Kelly College pool.
Further congratulations, in the U16 age groups, also go to Victoria Moore, aged nine, (3,105m), Ellie Sellers, eight, (2,330m), Lucy Cooper, seven, (1,700m), Hannah Morris, 10, (3,205m), Emily Ackford, 10, (3,175m), Victoria Callow 12, (3,840), Alex Power, 13, (3715m), Tom Cooper, nine, (1,700m), Kris Chapman, 11, (3,935m), David Lloyd Greame, 11, (3,500m), Harry Gilbert, 12, (3,695m)
In the over 16 age group Simon Handel (3545m), Lucinda Grice (2,570m), Clare Short (2,985m), Victoria Germon (2,185m), Yana Fox (2,620m), Corrie Grice (2,385m) and Margaret Gregory (1,925m).
Anyone interested in swimming, whether it is learning to swim, or improving technique should contact Clare Short on 01822 813155 or Sheila Buchanon on 01822 616235.