Derventio Four on the British Scene
Derventio eXcel , the premiership swim squad in Derbyshire continues to demonstrate its value with the selection of Joe Keane and Jamie Broom , both 15, to the British Swimming Men’s Beijing Select Group and Sarah Gibson (12) and Emma Smithurst (14) to the British Swimming Talent Identification programme. With five swimmers ranked in the top five in their age group in Great Britain and a further five ranked in the top ten there are high hopes of national success as this season progresses.
Joe Keane and Jamie Broom , both 15, are part of an elite group of freestyle swimmers selected as potential relays competitors in the 200 metres freestyle for both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. This group are closely monitored by British Swimming and have the opportunity to train with current Olympians such as Derby ’s Ross Davenport. Jamie is also part of the British National Age Group Team, which again aims to develop emerging young talent.
For Joe Keane this selection is a real boost. Joe’s improvement in the past six months has been staggering. Last season Joe ranked 6th in the Midland District 200 metres freestyle. He now stands at 2nd place in the British rankings.
Sarah Gibson and Emma Smithurst continue to make their mark in the butterfly events with both ranking in the top five in Great Britain . Their selection to the British Swimming Talent Identification programme means they will be monitored as “future swimming Ferraris.” Both qualified for their first national championships in 2004 and were surprise finalists. They are now aiming for national medals this season.
In addition Livvi Sefton is also ranked in the top five in Britain in the butterfly discipline.
And Ellie Barlow (13) has been selected for the Midland District Age Group team as a result of her performances at last season’s ASA Midland District Championships.
Mark Rose , Head Coach of Derventio eXcel said:
“I am delighted with the commitment of this group. There is competition for places on the squad and at each session the swimmers push each other to train smarter. There is also another ten swimmers who are pushing the higher ranked members of the team-there is no room for complacency!”
Julie Gibson, Chair of Derventio eXcel said:
“The progress is excellent to date and we must continue to strive to be better and better. Our partners provide so much valued support and the fast swimming shows them it is worth it!”
Derventio eXcel is a partnership between the existing twelve feeder swimming clubs in the area, Derby City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Derbyshire Amateur Swimming Association, British Swimming, the Derbyshire Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum, the University of Derby and Derby College. It is one of a select number of squads that are endorsed and supported by British Swimming.
Swimmers at Derventio eXcel train up to 27 hours a week with five sessions starting at 5:30 in the morning. They train in Derby City , at Queens Leisure and Moorways as well as using Etwall and Ripley Leisure Centres.