Pembrokeshire Leisure Services NEWS . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Pembrokeshire swimmers shine in Welsh winter nationals

Swimmers from Pembrokeshire gave an excellent performance in the recent Welsh Winter Finals in Swansea as twenty finalists won a total of 27 medals this year, compared to fewer than 16 swimmers winning a total of 20 medals in 2010.

The event at the Wales National Pool on 16th to 18th December was the last 50m long course meet of the year and the 20 Pembrokeshire finalists swam in 55 finals, with 13 swimmers winning medals (four gold, 17 silver and six bronze).

Medals galore – and personal best performances

The medal winners were Hannah Saunders, Jordan Harding, Dan Thomas, Carys Thomas (Pembroke), Hazel Fox, Kelsey Williams, Carys Davies, Megan Rogers, Ffion Davies, Jon Orchard, Isabel Johns, Isabelle Davies, and Nyle Lewis.

The other finalists included Ross Sutton, Michael Hire, Daniel Davies, Talia Merriman, Jemma Hurds and Ashleigh Willars.

Carys Thomas picked up her fourth National Qualifying Time in 100m butterfly, and Kelsey Williams became the second Pembrokeshire swimmer to qualify at this early stage for ASA National Age Group Championships to be held in Sheffield next June

The swimmers earned 114 PBs (personal bests) out of 214 swims (53%) from 30 different swimmers.

The Olympic Welsh hopefuls Jemma Lowe, Georgia Davies, Jazz Carlin, Tom Allen and Ieuan Lloyd were also there to compete.

Paul was delighted

Paul Dowey, Swimming Development Coach for Pembrokeshire County Council, said:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers for their help and support over the weekend. He added: “The meet was stepped up a gear in terms of performance, and restructured to offer opportunities to more senior swimmers.

“It was a designated disability meet for British Swimming and there were many outstanding performances from these athletes, such as Ellie Simmonds, which inspired the Pembrokeshire swimmers.”