A team of 41 Beau Sejour Barracudas aged between 9 and 13 years travelled to Jersey this weekend to take part in the Jersey Graded Sprint Meet which was hosted by the Jersey Swimming Club. This competition is highly motivational, as swimmers are graded into A and B divisions according to their entry times and medals are awarded in each division. The event attracted entries from the 4 Channel Island clubs.
Starring for the Barracudas in the 11 year age group was Jemima Green who achieved 4 gold medals in the “A” division, in 50 and 100m backstroke, 50 butterfly and 50m freestyle. She also received a silver for the 50m backstroke, where the gold went to an impressive swim by team mate Hannah Jones.
In the same age group, “A” division gold medals went to Zoe Carre in 50m breaststroke, Maddie Russell in 100m individual medley and Xander Graham in the 50m backstroke.
Tatiana Tostevin in the 13 year age group, took gold in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly. A very impressive time of 31.55 in the 50m backstroke was inside the Hampshire County record in her age group.
In the youngest age group (9 years) and competing away from home for the very first time, Leanna Guille had a great day placing first in 50m backstroke and freestyle, 25m butterfly and 100m individual medley. Her IM swim saw her finish 7 seconds ahead of her nearest rival from Jersey Swimming club, in a brilliant time of 1.47.81.
In the same age group Raif Carre looked very strong winning the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke recording outstanding times of 37.71 and 51.82 respectively.
In the 12 year age group Jake Williams swam exceedingly well picking up “A” category gold in 100IM, 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle.
Enjoying success for the 12 year old girls, Molly Staples, Kaylei Williams and Ailish Rabey were up against some tough opposition. However Molly won the 50m breaststroke and 100m backstroke, Ailish the 100IM and Kaylei the 50m backstroke, all in the B Division.
Rollo Tiffin won 4 B division gold medals in 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m and 100m butterfly, whilst team mate Max Lord secured excellent wins in 50m and 100m breaststroke as well as 50m backstroke, all in the B Division for 12 year olds.
In the 10 year age group, Lea Phillips and Lauren Varley swam well, Lea receiving the B gold in 100m breaststroke and Lauren in the 50m freestyle. For the boys Oliver Graham won gold in the 100IM in 1.37.54.
B category gold medals in the 11 year age group went to Zoe Carre (4) Xander Graham (4) Maddie Russell (1) Jemima Green (1) Harriet Savident (1)
Awards were made to one boy and one girl from each competing team who had acted as model swimmers throughout the competition; showing outstanding behaviour, organisation, and support to other team members. The Barracuda awards went to Lewis Blondel and Lea Phillips.