12 Swimmers from the Gators Top Squad made the short journey to Barnet Copthall in November to compete in the London Swimming Winter Championships where medals were won, personal bests achieved and records broken. Not only did Elliott Hill (15) win 2 gold and a bronze in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle in event best times, he smashed the Junior 400m freestyle record by 5 seconds and took both the Junior and Senior records in the 800m freestyle.

Poppy Hill (14), young sister of Elliott, swam a brilliant 1500m freestyle thrashing her own personal best time to take silver medal position and 5th places in both the 400m and 800m freestyle.

Recently returned to Waltham Forest after a spell in Europe, 2007 British Champion 800m freestyle swimmer, Alan Lindenberg, marked his return to the Gators by winning 3 golds in the 100m, 200m & 400m freestyle, taking the 200 free record. Alex Jameson (17) took silver in the 50m free and 5th & 6th place positions in the 100 fly and freestyle events. Oliver Burling and Tommy Willis both secured 6th place points in the 800 and 1500m events respectively, with Willis knocking 25 seconds of his personal best.

The Club was also represented in the 4x100 freestyle and medley relays where the boys took bronze in the freestyle and 4th in the medley and the girls, coming in just outside the points table, taking 7th position in both events. Also competing for the club with some great pbs were Sanaa Akbar, Catherine Dermont, Naill Andy, Elizabeth Hare, Emma Hasler, Alex Keating and Stephanie Malcolm.

Whilst the Top Squad were busy in Barnet, 10 of our younger swimmers were enjoying themselves competing at Canvey Island’s Open Meet and winning a fantastic haul of 16 medals between them. The Nicholls boys were on good form with Reece winning gold in the 50 fly and silver in the 50m breast, whilst Ryan (11) secured 4 bronze medals in the 50 and 200 fly and 200 and 400 I..M. Josh Burcombe (10), won gold in the 50 & 200 breast and 50 back and Silver in the 50 Fly. Tosan Egodo (10), won bronze in the 200 freestyle and I.M. Pasha George, gold in the 200 free, silver in 200 I.M. and 50 fly. Oliver Hayhow, bronze in the 200 free. Also competing with some great pb’s were Charlie Eves, Jesse Hayhow, James Morl and Jeremy Knockels.

WELL DONE AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR GATORS

2/12/09