Amazingly 7 new records were broken in the first event of the 2016 Specsavers Series – the 50m freestyle, staged by the Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club.
First record to fall was in the youngest age group – 9 years, where Raif Carre obliterated the record set way back in 2002 by Joshua Lewis. For fourteen years, the record had stood at 38.09, but now stands at 36.40. Also swimming inside of this old record was second placed swimmer Conor McKenna who touched in a great time of 37.82.
Another long standing record was broken in the 12/13 years age group by Tatiana Tostevin who recorded a brilliant time of 29.47.
Swimming the fastest time of the day and breaking her own record was Courtney Butcher who placed first in the 16 and over age group in 26.98.
It was left to the Masters to produce the rest of the records with Ian Hubert setting a new mark in the 25/34 year age group. Newcomer Sacha Jones set a new record of 34.49 and Peter Frankland 27.68, both in the 35.49 year age group. Richard Nash managed to produce 32.35 to set the new record in the 50 to 64 year age group.
Fastest time of the day from the boys came from Jonathan Beck in 25.06, just 4/100ths ahead of Will Russell.
There was a close race in the 9 year old girl’s event with Leanna Guille just getting the touch from Frankie Savident in 42.01.
Gabrielle Wilcox and Oliver Graham were the victors in the 10 year age group recording 36.94 and 37.61 respectively.
Jemima Green did well to fend off Oriana Wheeler in the 11 year age group recording 34.19, with Oriana on 34.40. Xander Graham secured maximum points in the boys section.
The 12/13 age group winner for the boys was Elliott Lock in 30.92, whilst the 14/15 age group saw great swims from Jack Le Tissier and Orla Rabey.
The 50m breaststroke event saw 4 further records broken.
Another long standing mark set by star breaststroke swimmer Jenny Salmon, back in 2002 was beaten by Sophie de la Mare, as she recorded a personal best time of 36.47, which was also the fastest time of the day.
Again the Masters, Sacha Jones, Peter Frankland and Richard Nash all set new records in their respective age groups.
Fastest time of the day from the boys came from Jack Blondel, who had a great race against Will Russell, just getting the touch by 2 hundredths of a second.
The 9 year age group titles went to Leanna Guille and Raif Carre, while the victors for the 10 year olds were Gabrielle Wilcox and Oliver Graham.
11 year old age group winners were Oriana Wheeler and Xander Graham, whilst Lauren Ewins and Jake Williams secured maximum points for the 12/13 age group. Jake producing an encouraging lifetime best of 43.06.
Jack Le Tissier who continues to develop in this stroke won the 14/15 age group in a personal best time of 39.09, with Courtney Butcher winning the 16 and over title.
Full results attached