This summer Soundwell Swimming Club went to the National Championships with 14 swimmers who had qualified for the country’s premier age, youth and senior swim meet. Bethan Tomlinson, Georgia Pirret, Evie Reed, Anna Soteriou, Ben Tompson, Joe Parker, Will Cole, Sam Lewis, Joel Williams and Jedd Woodruff all qualified for individual events. Hannah Evans, Jorji Longdon, Luke Height and Connor Laughey all qualified as part of the clubs first youth relay teams. The South Gloucestershire club also assisted with the preparation of its University/College members; James Dawe, Will Harrison and Pixie Lale-Klasicki. Each swimmer did themselves and their club extremely proud and came away with some excellent swims and invaluable experience.
In the girls category, Evie Reed, 15, had a superb 100m butterfly to make her first ever semi-final and finish 9th. 16 year old Ben Thompson was back to his best to clock one of the teams fastest boys times. Ben also qualified for the 200m butterfly semi-final. Will Harrison and new recruit Pixie Lale-Klasicki both qualified for their respective finals. Will Cole who was recently selected for his first International meet in September set new personal bests and qualified for finals in several of his events. Will now ranks as one of the fastest junior boys in the country for the majority of strokes. In the 200 metres freestyle Will clocked 1.53.32 and broke his second ASA South West record.
Head Coach Matt Puddy said: “Overall, I am absolutely thrilled with the performances. This year we have doubled our number of National qualifiers and produced two National relay teams. We are without doubt one of the strongest teams in the South West and are now beginning to make an impact Nationally. As always, remember the more you put in, the more you get out.''