Day one saw some of Somerset’s best young swimming talent on display in Sheffield.

Rio Kurihara, winner of the 2009 BAGCAT award, secured his first gold of the Championships as he swam to the title in the Boys’ 13 years 200m Breaststroke. The Millfield School swimmer touched in a time of 2:28.19 ahead of James Thompson (City of Leeds) who claimed silver in 2:33.24, with bronze going to Adam Plavsic (Ealing) in 2:34.99.

“It was a good race,” said Kurihara. “Last year raised my confidence to swim well so I’ve come here prepared. I’ve got another nine races to go so I hope to win a few more medals this week.”

Team Bath’s Daniella Whiting took the Girls’ 12 years 200m Backstroke title after a well swum race that saw her touch in 2:23.95. Rebecca Jones (City of Derby) took silver in 2:25.09 with bronze going to Liverpool’s Emma Grayson in 2:26.03.

“I really wasn’t expecting gold,” said Whiting. “I came here last year and got fourth so to win is just indescribable. I stepped up my training after districts and everything has been going really well for me so I knew I was ready and prepared to come here and compete. I’ve got more races to come and I think there are a few good medal chances for me.”

The Boys’ 4x100m Freestyle Relay was won by Millfield School in a time of 3:45.83 with Plymouth Leander taking silver in 3:46.24 and bronze going to the Team Ipswich quartet in 3:46.72.

Click to view a full list of results

Tickets are still available for the Championships. They can be purchased on the door with adult finals tickets costing £4 and concessions £3.50.




Published:
22:18:03 28.07.2010 by John Bolton