Date: 24th July – 27th July 2008
Venue: Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield
Liam Herbert
Swindon Sx3’s first appearance at the ASA National Age Group (Bagcats) Championships was a triumph for Liam Herbert, who ended a successful season with two final places. The competition, at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, also saw Briony Merritt, making her last appearance at this level before leaving for pastures new, and James Clark return to the national stage.
Herbert competed in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events. In the shorter distance he matched his sixth place in the qualifying heats with a sixth place final finish. Hopes were high after qualifying in fourth place for the 200m final, but despite a near identical time, improved swims by the other finalists meant Herbert had to be satisfied with tenth place. It has been an outstanding season for the 14 year old, who missed qualification for the freestyle event by a fraction, and just reward for his hard work in training.
Clark was 17th in the 400m Individual Medley on Friday while Merritt finished 22nd in the 200m backstroke on Sunday.
Attention will now turn to the National Youth Championships tomorrow, where Sx3 have eight qualifiers.
Source: SX3 Press Team
