Derventio eXcel's first taste of success
Report by Julie Gibson - Derventio eXcel
Swimmers from Derventio eXcel Swim Squad competed over the past three weekends in the Derbyshire County Championships, achieving 24 national qualifying times and 37 competition best performance times. Swimmers have now been training with Derventio eXcel for 6 months and so this was their first major test of improvement.
One of the highlights had to be Mariesa Picknell, girls squad captain breaking the 400 metres Individual Medley junior county record - this was a record held by Michelle Willey, a former International and had stood since 1982.
Mark Rose, Head Coach of Derventio eXcel said:
“I was pleased with the number of national qualifiers - after each meet the list is growing. Oliver Froud (13) has already qualified for eight events, with Jamie Broom (14) qualifying for seven and Emma Smithurst (13) making four each so far. As both Jamie and Oliver are part of the World Class programme I expect them to be medal contenders. However Emma only just qualified for the Midland District events last season so to make 4 times this early is outstanding.
We also have a number of young swimmers who are qualifying - this is exciting as they will benefit from this experience now for their future senior careers. James Shand and Sarah Gibson (both 11) and Joanne Reeks (12) are first time national qualifiers.
Our next test will be at the Rotherham Metro Licensed 1 open meet at the end of April where we will be competing for the first time as Derventio eXcel.”
Julie Gibson, Chair of Derventio eXcel said:
“Our aim is to produce elite swimmers so we are striving for as many national qualifiers as possible. What is pleasing is the number of swimmers who were just qualifying last year for Midland District events are now qualifying for National events - the progress here has been rapid.
The number of competition best performance times at the County Championships is also promising - what we want if for these records to be broken year on year to demonstrate our continued progress as a County. For example, Ellie Barlow broke Danny Hemmings 12 years 100 metres breast stroke record from last year and then Danny immediately set a new standard for the 13 years. The feeder clubs are doing a great job preparing the swimmers for Derventio eXcel and all the swimmers were representing their feeder clubs in the counties.”
Qualifiers for the National Championships in July-August 2004 are:
Emma Smithurst, Oliver Froud, Jamie Broom, James Shand, Mariesa Picknell, Sarah Gibson, Joanne Reeks, Mike Dakin, Danny Hemmings
Derbyshire County Championships Competition Best Performance times were set by:
Richard Sellars 15 years 100 fly; Kane Haggett 11 years 200 IM 200 back; Emma Smithurst 13 years 200 fly 100 fly 200 IM 400 IM; Joanne Reeks 12 years 100 fly 400 IM; Ellie Barlow 12 years 100 breast; Mariesa Picknell 16 years 400 IM, Rebecca Harrison 13 years 200 back; Christian Barcz 10 years 200 free; Jamie Broom 14 years 200 free, 200 IM, 200 fly; Oliver Froud 13 years 200 free 400 free 1500 free, 200 back; Sarah Gibson 11 years 100 back 200 back 100 fly 200 fly; Danny Hemmings 12 years 50 breast 100 breast 200 breast; Krissie Easter 14 years 200 fly, 200 IM; James Lovatt 14 years 100 back, 200 back, 400 free, 400 IM; Hannah Mayall 17 years 100 back, 200 back, 400 free; Ryan Lovatt 10 years 400 free.
Derventio eXcel is a partnership between the feeder swimming clubs in the area, Derby City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, British Swimming, the Derbyshire Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum, the University of Derby and Derby College.