A team of 28 Beau Sejour Barracudas aged between 9 and 13 years travelled to Jersey last 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 13 year age group was Oriana Wheeler who achieved 7 gold medals in the “A” division, in 50m freestyle, butterfly and backstroke, as well as 100m freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and IM. She was especially delighted with her 50m freestyle when she dipped under the 30 second mark for the first time.
Competing in the same age group for the boys, Xander Graham came away with 4 golds and a silver in the “A” Division, winning 50m freestyle and backstroke, as well as 100m Individual Medley and 100m breaststroke. With upper time limits based on Regional qualifying times, Xander was not permitted to enter his favourite event – 50m breaststroke where he was deemed to be too fast for this competition as illustrated by his record breaking performance in the recent Barracudas Open Meet.
In the youngest age group (9 years) – another Graham sibling – Dylan, had a great day placing first in 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke, as well as receiving well-earned silvers in 25m butterfly and 50m freestyle. Elodie Riley, in the same age group also received 2 golds and 2 silvers in the A division, winning 50m backstroke and 25m butterfly in personal best times.
In the 10 year age group, Leanna Guille struck gold in her favoured 50m and 100m breaststroke, with silver in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 100m backstroke. Sophia Robilliard was another double gold medalli
st in the A division with great swims in the 100m freestyle and individual medley.
Other Barracuda “A” division medallists included Erin Watterson, Jemima Green, Zoe Carre, Theo Turton, Raif Newton, Raif Carre, Conor McKenna and Oli Graham.
The Barracudas also received a host of medals and personal best times in the B division with notable gold medal performances coming from Zoe Carre in the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle, Oli Graham – 100IM, Charlie
Tourtel, 50m backstroke, Oliver Russell and Enzo Crowson – 100m freestyle, Delphine Riley and Cameron Lee – 100m backstroke and Thomas Herquin 50m butterfly.
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 Eve Hartley and Raef Newton.
