Larna Clinches Midland glory for Derventio eXcel
Press Release by Julie Gibson - Derventio eXcel
Larna Picknell of Derventio eXcel became ASA Midland District Open Water Champion (14-16 years) at Bosworth Lake in Leicestershire last weekend. At the same time a team of 17 Derventio eXcel swimmers competed in the Northampton Open Meet taking 97 medals out of a possible 102 opportunities. Derventio also took the title of Best Club by an impressive margin. A third group of Derventio eXcel swimmers, those who have qualified for the National Championships, are traveling to London on Friday to begin their final training preparations for these Championships which start next week.
Larna Picknell (14) competing for the first time at the ASA Midland District Open Water Championships also took the silver in the Ladies event. Larna will now compete in the National Open Water Championships next month.
At Northampton, Derventio were victorious in 50 events and also took 26 silvers and 21 bronze medals during the weekend. This event was for those swimmers who had narrowly missed the National Championships.
Stars of the weekend were Ann Morris (10) who won 6 golds in the 100 and 200 individual medley, 100 and 200 freestyle, 50 backstroke and 100 breast stroke. Ann also took silver in the 50 butterfly.
Kate Lord (11) won 5 golds in the 100 and 200 individual medley, 100 and 200 breast stroke and 400 freestyle. Kate also took two bronze medals in the 50 butterfly and 100 backstroke.
Top boy for Derventio was Darren Hodgetts (12) who won 5 golds in the 50 back stroke, butterfly and breast stroke as well as the 100 breast stoke and individual medley. Darren also came second in the 200 individual medley and 200 breast stoke and third in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
Derventio eXcel’s national team training in London this weekend consists of the 15 qualifiers, who will be swimming in 50 events. These are:
Mike Dakin (17 years), Mariesa Picknell (16 years), Joe Keane (15 years) Jamie Broom (14 years), Emma Smithurst, Oliver Froud, Danny Hemmings, Katy Lockey, Grace Morris and Becky Harrison (all 13 years), Joanne Reeks and Livvi Sefton(12 years) and James Shand, Anna Butler and Sarah Gibson (11 years)
Mark Rose, Head Coach of Derventio eXcel said:
“It is a busy time for us, with the Open Water Championships, Northampton Open Meet and the National team we are combining a variety of training and competition plans. The signs are positive so far with those competing performing well. We are acheiving just under an 80% personal best rate. We will now look to the National team to produce the performances of the year in Sheffield next week.
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, Derbyshire ASA, the Derbyshire Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum, the University of Derby and Derby College.