THERE was a resounding success for members of the Kelly Swim Squad who went to Plymouth for the first weekend of the City of Plymouth Championships.

Together, they gained 11 championship medals, 18 gold, nine silver and eight bronze, plus seven competition best times (cbt) and 45 personal bests (pb).

One of the most exciting races was the boys' 200m freestyle where Robert Pratt, 17, and Matthew Slater, 16, were head to head in the final heat, Rob winning in 1.59.07(pb) and Matthew second 1.59.64(pb) and gold in age group(cbt). Rob also won gold in the championship and age group of the 100m individual medley.

There were brilliant swims from Sarah Thomas and Jemma Coates, 14, Sarah gaining gold in 100m butterfly(cbt) 400m individual medley (cbt) 200m individual medley age group and championship plus 100m backstroke, along with silver in 100m breaststroke and 100m backstroke championships. Jemma achieved gold in both 200m (cbt) and 100m breaststroke and bronze in championship.

Hayley Smith, 13, swam well to win two golds: 100m butterfly (cbt) and 200m individual medley (cbt) plus bronze in 100m breaststroke (pb).

There were three golds, two silvers and one bronze for 14-year-old Healthy Wong in the boys' 50m freestyle(pb), 100m breaststroke, 100m individual medley, 400m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke.

Rachel Banfield, 17, won two golds in the 400m individual medley age group and Championship(cbt), silver 200m Breaststroke age group and championship and 100m butterfly with a bronze in the championships.

Special praise to Matthew Langman, 9, for two golds and one silver in the 50m freestyle(pb), 100m individual medley (pb) and 50m backstroke (pb).

Silver medals to Kyle Baylis 100m breaststroke (pb), Kimberley Foster 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley. Louise Amery 100m backstroke. Bronze went to Jessica Clear , 50m/100m/200m breaststroke(pb) and Peter Freedman 100m individual medley age group and championship.

Also congratulations to the following young members who all got pbs. Melanie Crick 50m/200m breaststroke. Oliver Philips, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke. James Smith 50m/200m/400m freestyle and 100m individual medley. Will Cummings 50m/400m freestyle. Chris Wylie 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 100m individual medley. Joe Werry 50m/400m freestyle and 50m butterfly. Edward Robinson 50m freestyle and 100m individual medley. Kyle Baylis 50m/200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and 100m individual medley. Josh Colville 50m/200m/400m freestyle and Jasmin King 50m backstroke.

l Kelly swimmers Beth Campbell-Boseley, Nye Levett, Tom Howe and Daniel Kidwell were selected to take part in the first World Class Start, a pilot scheme for young swimmers. The aim of the scheme is to identify talented 12/13 year olds who may be able to go on and compete internationally.

The training weekend was for the top 40 swimmers from the South West and held at Newquay. Emphasis was placed on technique improvement and educating the youngsters on all aspects of performing at international level.

Kelly College coach, Robin Brew was involved in the coaching programme and said 'This is a very important and unique opportunity for swimmers who have a great deal of potential to come together and learn from some of the most experienced coaches in the country.'