Swimming wow! Personal bests smashed in host of excellence performances

(By Harriet, 14, Jill Dando News)

Swimmers from Burnham-On-Sea enjoyed a fantastic start to the new 2020 season competing in the prestigious Somerset County Championships.

Held at Millfield School, over 700 swimmers from 38 swimming clubs in Somerset took part in events over 4 weekends, with seven full days of swimming competition.

Every swimmer swam phenomenally well, achieving huge Personal Bests  

The Academy Team collectively taking 5 mins and 52 seconds off their best ever times. 

Huge congratulations go to 11 year old Zach Powell of The King Alfred School Academy, who captured five Silver Medals and four Bronze Medals at the Championships.

Maisie Fisher, aged 10, took Silver in the 100 Breastroke and made it into the Finals, finishing in the top 8 of the 100 and 200.

The Boys 10-12 Freestyle relay team of Finley Fooks (TKASA), Zach Powel (TKASA), TT Magang and Lewis Hay also captured a fantastic Bronze medal.

Other fantastic swims resulting in Somerset County Finals were achieved by Phoebe Poole 4th 50 Fly, 6th 100 Fly; Finley Fooks, 5th place 50 Fly and Macey Burge 7th Place 50 FC.  

Making it into the Top 10 were Riley Beardsmore, 9th 200 Backstroke; Thea Faubel 9th 100 FC; Macy Noad 9th 400 FC; Lucas Earthy, 10th 100 Back Stroke.

Burnham-on-Sea Swimming Club County Qualifiers and TKASA students achieved 4 Top 10 places, 2 Finalists and Refional Qualifying times, the swimmers were 

Alex Lemin, Liam Burrow, Ethan Reddish, Toby Hooper, Poppy Dinham, Poppy Spofford, Josie Hooper, Amy Englefield, Ellie Spofford, Liam Reddish, Charlie Valentine and ex-TKASA student Chris Wood. 

After taking the weekend away from his studies in a University in Kent, Chris achieved an ambition to swim in the Counties as an Open swimmer, he continues to swim and be committed to his club. 

Kelly Podbury of Burnham-on-Sea Swimming Club and the current President of Somerset ASA said: “All the swimmers did magnificently. Swimming is a lifelong skill and accessible to all. 

“There are numerous learn to swim opportunities in the Burnham area and with the two competitive swimming clubs Burnham-on-Sea Swimming Club, swimming at Brean Splash and The Academy Swim Team Burnham the community is very well served.”