RECORDS were sent tumbling by Felixstowe swimmers in the club's recent 50 metre Sprint Championship.In all, around 60 club members took part in the annual event – producing some spectacular performances in front of a supportive crowd of friends and family.

By Debbie Watson

RECORDS were sent tumbling by Felixstowe swimmers in the club's recent 50 metre Sprint Championship.

In all, around 60 club members took part in the annual event – producing some spectacular performances in front of a supportive crowd of friends and family.

Young contenders proved the overall toast of the championship, with many claiming exceptionally impressive club records.

In particular, nine-year-old Jessica Smith made a terrific start to her competitive swimming career by setting new records in both the Breastroke and Freestyle events.

Also celebrating an impressive performance was Thomas Fryatt.

Swimming in the men's events, the 13-year-old has made dramatic improvements over the year.

He smashed club records in the Backstroke, Breaststroke and in the Freestyle events.

In all, some 22 swimmers broke event records during the successful championship.

This competition marked only the second time that Felixstowe has hosted such a championship, and comes at a time when many of the region's clubs are changing their event format to coincide with the national BAGCAT points system.

Sprint championships are seen as providing a valuable opportunity for swimmers to test their abilities in all strokes – not just their favoured stroke – over a 25 or 50 metre distance.

Felixstowe's particular championship consists only of 50 metre sprints and has successfully encouraged swimmers to bid for improved PBs in all of the major strokes.

Club chairman, Ian Buxton, said he was delighted with the enthusiasm and the achievements of the swimmers.

"We're always delighted to see so many of our club swimmers taking part in a home event and throwing themselves into the competition," he commented.

"A great deal of effort was put in to our second sprint championship, and it's a wonderful reward to the organisers when things turn out so smoothly.

"The fact that so many records were broken and so many PBs achieved by the individuals is a huge bonus – and proof that training and commitment pays off."

He added: "We had swimmers of all ages taking part – from Micha Knowles and Sam Fowler who are just seven years old, to some of the very senior adult club members.

"It's a great chance for them all to compete alongside each other in a way that is sociable as well as competitive."

He added: "As usual all the club swimmers put in maximum effort with great spirit.

"This is a fine testament to the hard work of teaching and coaching staff and dedication of the swimmers over the year."

Swimmers who came in the first three places received medals for their performances.