Trio Strike Gold for Derventio eXcel
Report by Julie Gibson
Jamie Broom, Oliver Froud and Sarah Gibson of Derventio eXcel were all victorious on the first weekend of the Midland District Age Group Championships, taking place at Coventry.
Jamie Broom swam fast all weekend and took gold in the 14 years boys 100 and 400 metres freestyle, silver in the 200 metres individual medley and bronze in the 200 metres butterfly.
Sarah Gibson, swimming for the first time at this event, clinched gold in the girls 11 years 100 metres back stroke, silver in the 100 metres butterfly and bronze in the 200 metres backstroke.
Oliver Froud also took gold in the boys 13 years 100 metres freestyle with the girls 11-13 years medley relay team of Becky Harrison, Danny Hemmings, Emma Smithurst and Katy Lockey taking sliver
Both Glen Picknell and Ann Morris were also in the medals, both unexpectedly. Ann taking silver in the girls 10 years 200 metres freestyle and Glen Picknell, bronze in the boys 12 years 200 metres breast stroke.
A fifth place for fast improving Anna Butler in the girls 11 years 200 metres freestyle means she achieved national qualification and will join 11 of her team members at the National Age Group Championships in July in Sheffield.
Mark Rose, Head Coach of Derventio eXcel said:
“I was delighted with the swimming we produced. We made our rivals sit up and take notice by swimming fast.
It is excellent to see both Jamie Broom and Oliver Froud winning as they are members of the World Class programme and they need to maintain their rankings. Both confirmed their ability and intention to be in the medals in the nationals in the summer.
It is also great to see our younger swimmers winning; it was Sarah Gibson’s first long course age group district championship and she raced hard and fast for her victory and medals. It was also first District medals for Ann Morris and Glen Picknell. They can all be proud of their achievements.
The swimmers continue to improve; many have limited form entering these competitions and are now starting to build a reputation as a team to watch. To continue to improve I need more commitment, more medals and even more best times.
Next weekend sees the swimmers in action again in stage two of the District Championships and then it is back to our preparation for the National Age Groups.”
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.