Forest make superb start (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Forest make superb start

2:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport

WYRE Forest Swimming Club have made a strong start to their championships as eight club records were smashed and hundreds of county qualifying times were set.

An impressive first weekend means the club look set to field a big team at the counties after 122 qualifying times were recorded.

Among the swimmers who did well, Sam Osbourne, 11, sealed a quartet of championship best times in the 50-metre butterfly, backstroke, freestyle and 100m individual medley.

Eleanor Bainbridge (50m butterfly), Erica Harris (50m backstroke), Ryan Larkin (50m breaststroke) and Calum Tinsdale (50m freestyle) also were in record-breaking mood in their age groups.

In the masters category, seven swimmers were also in good form.

Veteran Nicola Bainbridge achieved three county times in the 50m butterfly, breaststroke and freestyle and husband James (50m freestyle) will be also be competing at the County Championshiops.

Newcomer Andrew Steward grabbed his chance to race in the best of the county with an 11 second personal best in the 50m freestyle.

“To have bagged so many county qualifying times this early in the season is sensational,” said coach Mark Wilmott.

“I look forward to helping them compete at that level and to get the times they need to compete at regional and national Championships too.”