BRIDGWATER ASC’s growing track record in producing and nurturing talented swimmers continued through June and July as the growing junior squad and squad swimmers took on the final meets of the 2016/17 season. 

First up was the annual Clevedon and Chard Open meet on June 24-25, where the club took a huge 65 medals in total as a whole host of swimmers, both debutants as well as developing and experienced swimmers, collected medals. 

Ben Towells took medals in all of his events including a gold, two silvers and two bronze medals. 

It was a family affair for the Towells as older brother and boys vice-captain Alex Towells also scooped up medals in all of his events with a tally of one gold, three silvers, and two bronze. 

Orlana Sinclair-Short and Oliver Rowe, both 11, were in fine form. 

Orlana took a well-earned placing medal in the 50 free, while Oliver – who is still relatively new to the club – was also among the swimmers to make an impression at the meet with three golds, one silver and a placing medal. 

Some of the club’s youngest swimmers also tasted success, including nine-year-old Will Robbins, who took a placing medal in the 100m back stroke, and Austin Ranson, who earned two silvers, two bronze and three placing medals ensuring he took a medal in every single race he took part in. 

In the same age group, Malakai Prothero took his first medal at a meet in the 100 breaststroke and Rosie Jones took two placing medals. 

Jodie Prescott, who has a good record in the breaststroke events, continued her fine form this season with a silver in the 50m Breaststroke and a placing medal in the 100m Breaststroke. 

One of the club’s most dedicated and hard-working swimmers, Alice Pittey, took an extremely well-earned placing medal in the 400m freestyle, and Madison Chilcott added to the success in the 400m free by also taking a placing medal. 

Michal Kucia took two medals both silvers in his preferred events, the 50m Free and Fly. 

Max Head, who is gaining in form with every race, collected four silvers, a bronze and a placing medal, while Isla Bennie took a silver and bronze as she continues to gain experience. 

Jazz Forsey won a placing medal in the 100m fly in the 12-year-old category, while Katie Derbyshire took two golds, a silver and a placing medal, and Isobel Brown took two silvers, and three placing medals in the same age group. 

In the 14-year-old age group, Vienna Bennett took medals in her preferred fly events with a silver and placing medal as well as a placing medal in the 50 free.

The standout swimmer, however, was William Bale who took an enormous nine medals, six of which were gold and the rest silver, which culminated in him winning the top boy award in the 10 years age group!

On July 9, the swimmers were back in action at the City of Bristol Meet. 

This was a particularly important meet for the swimmers as it took place at the international standard 50m pool at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, one of the key pools which hosts regional championships, a competition the club fully expects to see more swimmers qualify for next season.

There were a number of great swims and personal best times in a meet where the standard of swimmers was high. 

A number of swimmers took medals once again, including bronze medals for Isla Bennie and Max Head. 

Head coach Ricky Hayes said: “The club is improving at a great rate, and with the talent we have at the club combined with dedication there is no reason we cannot produce more regional swimmers and help them get to national level.”

For more information on how to get involved with the club as they seek to continue improving next season, visit bridgwaterswim.co.uk, email bridgwaterswim@gmail.com, or committee members are available on Fridays (6-8pm) at Trinity Sports and Leisure.