Osbourne stars in Arena League (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
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Osbourne stars in Arena League
2:00pm Friday 19th October 2012 in Sportsview
A DEPLETED Wyre Forest Swimming Club produced some impressive performances in the first round of the Arena League in Nuneaton. Drawn against top of the league city clubs, Wyre Forest swimmers had to pull out all the stops.
Sam Osbourne was one of the most impressive performers with two first places in the 10 and 11 group.
He won the 50-metre butterfly and 50m freestyle, while Ryan Larkin was third in the 50m breaststroke.
There were also third places for Calum Tinsdale in the 15-year-old 100m backstroke and Alice Hayden Jones in the 13-years 100m breaststroke.
In order to gain points for every individual event possible, the club had several swimmers competing in more than one age group.
Hayden Jones also raced in the ladies open breaststroke despite only being 12-years-old, while Robbie Smith and Brett Webster were drafted in at the last minute.
Head coach Mark Wilmott hailed his team.
“It’s a fantastic environment for Wyre Forest to be involved,” said the coach.
“While the performances of the other teams were exemplary, they had the distinct advantage of continuing where they left off last season with their development path in to the start of this year with added focus.
“Whereas my swimmers at Wyre Forest have basically had their swimming world turned upside down.
“They’ve got a new head coach to deal with who has different ideas, concepts and coaching styles to his predecessors.”
Wilmott, who replaced Alan Bircher in the summer, is also keen for Wyre Forest to keep on progressing and punch above their weight.
He added: “We must remember that we are a relatively small club, but one who has extremely big aspirations.
“With the correct development and continuation of the high level of skills on show at this meet, I firmly believe we are taking steps in the right direction.
“Having seen my swimmers perform daily in the training pool, I know we also have the attitude to match our ambition.
“I want to reiterate to my swimmers how proud I am of their performances. To rack up so many personal bests under difficult circumstances must reinforce that, the future does not just look bright, yet positively glowing.”
