Press Release

From: Canvey Island Swimming Club

Date: 4^th July 2009

CANVEY SWIMMERS DOMINATE EAST REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS

Eight Swimmers from the increasingly successful Canvey Island Swimming Club have been competing at the prestigious Bagcat Eastern Region championships in Norwich over the last five weeks.

The first weekend was the turn of the Seniors; Sophie Drake was joined by Chloe Williams and Hannah Packman. Sophie won all three backstroke events 50, 100, and 200m and was placed 2nd in the 50 and 100m freestyle. Chloe Williams was first in the 200m free and 3rd in the 100m backstroke. Hannah Packman continued her steady improvement performing well in the 50 breast , 100 breast and 50 free.

Canveys Medal haul placed them 9th in the medal table, the highest ever placing at a Regional championship and the highest ranked Essex club.

The last 2 weekends it has been the turn of the younger members, Kirstie Fehily (11) was placed 4th in the 1500m free, 5th in the 400m Im and 7th in the 200m backstroke. Eva Power (11) took part in the 100free and back, missing out on a final place by 1/10th of a second and the 200 free and backstroke.

Emma Hall and Kaying Tam  (13) both qualified for the first time this year Emma took part in the 100m breast., 50m free, 100m free and the 200m Individual medley. Kaying swam the 100m free.

Canveys outstanding performer at the championships was ten year old Bethan McElroy  who out performed her International club mates Sophie and Chloe to win an amazing 5 events; 200m Individual Medley, 400mMedley, 100m, 200m, 400m free plus 2nd in the 200m fly, 3rd in the 100m fly and 4th in the 200m breast. In winning a very hard fought 100m free Bethan set a new event best time and also secured her place as the East region bagcat champion. 

The fine performances placed Canvey Island Swimming Club 8th overall, and 2nd amongst the Essex clubs.

End