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KILLERWHALES LONG COURSE STYLE.
Killerwhales produced many fantastic swims at Crystal Palaces 50m Cathedral.

The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace was the location for this gala hosted by Bexley Swimming Club.  The ageing but still impressive venue saw some equally impressive swimming from the small number of Killerwhales swimmers who travelled.

Top of the pile was 14 year old Dean ‘Deano’ Smith whose superb run of form continued with Gold in the 14 years 400 individual medley, finishing his heat in the energy sapping 50 metre pool some half a length up on his rivals. Dean added two Bronze medals and a couple of fourth places over the weekend for his efforts. 16 year olds Kirsty Forbes and Dan Hime both picked up silver medals, Kirsty being just beaten to the finish in a hard fought 200 metre backstroke whilst Dan’s medal was achieved in the 400 IM. Kirsty earlier picked up a 4^th in the 200IM.

Other swimmers with a top six placing were Tom Bircham in the 15/16 year old boys age group with a 7 second personal best in the 400 IM. This result confirmed Tom as one of the most improved swimmers at the Club. Despite illness Johnny Congdon achieved a 6^th place in the 400 freestyle as did Julia Braybrooke with a powerful swim in the 200 Butterfly.

Other swimmers coming away with huge smiles on their faces were 14 year old Katie Miles who powered her way to two London Championship qualifying times in the 100m & 200m freestyle in what is rapidly becoming her most successful season yet. Ellen Scott repeated the feat moments later in the 200 freestyle and younger sister Molly became the latest in the family tradition to excel at Breaststroke with two superb swims in the 100 & 200 metre races to achieve London Championship qualifying times for her age group. Molly won her heat in the latter by 25 metres from her nearest contender.

This long course event was hard work for swimmers who rarely compete or train over the longer 50 metre distance, and some extra practice at this type of venue will be required for some before the District Championships in May.

The Killerwhales move on to the South Coast next weekend with nearly all the Club travelling to a tough gala in Bournemouth.