Medal succcess for Banbridge swimmers

ON Saturday March 10, 21 junior swimmers from Banbridge ASC travelled to Bangor to participate in the final Swim Ulster Development gala of the year.

These development galas are the first stepping stone in the Swim Ulster development pathway, giving the swimmers their first opportunity to take part in open galas which helps their confidence, and also gain qualifying times for the Swim Ulster Graded galas.

Over a busy day of swimming the medal tally comprised five gold, two silver and seven bronze. In addition there were 26 top 10 finishes, 19 new personal bests and 39 new times.

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William Pinkerton and Emma McElderry both had super results in their events. William won gold medals for his 200 breaststroke and 100 IM in times of 3.36.67 and 1.36.74 respectively. He also finished fifth in his backstroke event. Emma took gold in 200 breaststroke in a time of 3.39.72 and bronze medals in 100 backstroke and 100m IM.

Emma and William have also qualified for the Ulster Age Group Championship next weekend. These promising swimmers can now look forward to qualifying for Irish Division 2 Championships in Limerick in June.

Daniel Kilpatrick took part in two events and medalled in both. He won gold in 200 breaststroke in 3.43.47 and bronze in 100IM in 1.38.60. Daniel has now progressed to the Swim Ulster graded galas which will resume in September.

Kate Allenby narrowly missed out in a medal in 100 backstroke, finishing fourth in a time of 1.32.55.However she did gain a qualifying time for the graded galas. She also had top 10 finishes in 200 breaststroke and 100m IM.

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Lauren Armstrong had a great day at the gala, achieving two bronze medals in 100m backstroke and 100m IM in times of 1.34.93 and 1.43.69 respectively.

A successful day was completed with fourth place in 200m IM. Her brother Ryan had top 10 finishes in his two events which were 100m backstroke and 100m IM.

Julia Knox had fantastic swims, winning gold in 200m IM in a time of 3.29.60, giving her a qualifying time for the graded galas next season. She also won silver in 50m freestyle and bronze in 50m breaststroke. Joining her in gaining a qualifying time was Jessica Robinson, who took silver in 200m breaststroke in 3.48.44.

Sophie Mount won had a good day of swimming in her chosen events, winning bronze in 100m IM in 1.37.47 and securing top 10 finishes in 100 backstroke and 200 breaststroke.

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Throughout the day top 10 finishes were also achieved by Caitlin Kearney, Charlotte Campbell, Harry Dougan, Patrick Doyle, Charlotte Farson, Eimear McMullan, Christopher Morrow and Becki Pinkerton.

Many thanks to all the coaches and parents who helped on the day.

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