Swindon Dolphin were in commanding form at the 2012 Wiltshire Youth Championships amassing a total of 15 senior championships, 7 junior championships and a staggering 59 age group gold medals; nearly half of the available first place positions. The gold medal tally would have been even higher had it not been for the performance of Daniella Whiting of Trowbridge who dominated the girls’ competition with an outstanding display of swimming.
Leading the way for Dolphin was 31 year old Jon Audis who accumulated a total of 5 championship titles. Audis, best known for his backstroke, comfortably claimed the 50m and 100m trophies, both in new championship best times. He also showed what a superb all round swimmer he is with victories in breaststroke and butterfly events as well as the 100m individual medley. Charlotte Pitts, Liam Herbert and James Clark were all double championship winners with Matt Rose, Kath Baker and Victoria Jennings claiming one victory each. Baker‘s win in the 200m individual medley was especially satisfying, coming in her last Wiltshire Championships ahead of joining the Army later in the year. Victoria Jennings‘ first place in the girls’ 200m butterfly was one of the eye catching swims of the Championships. Not satisfied with a comfortable personal best time in the heats, Jennings clocked up another lifetime best as she gave a great exhibition of swimming from the front. Other championship victories came in the men’s open age group relays, where Audis, Clark , Herbert and Rose claimed new championship best times in both the freestyle and medley events.
Jon Audis, James Clark, Liam Herbert, Matthew Rose ~ "The Dream Team"
Charlotte Pitts was the most successful Dolphin swimmer in the junior championship with first places in the 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley as well as setting new age group best times in the 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley. Younger sister Georgina made her own contribution to the family trophy cabinet with a win in the 200m butterfly. Other junior championship winners were the fast improving Adam Coleman and butterfly specialist Emily Dixon. Coleman was in superb form, reaching his first ever championship final in the 200m individual medley and deservedly picking up two junior awards to add to his six age group victories. Dixon meanwhile claimed the 50m butterfly junior trophy. Coleman’s success in individual events was also reflected in his overall victory in the 14 year old BAGCAT category whilst in the girls competition Georgina Pitts achieved second place and Lauren Matthews finished fourth.
Adam Coleman ~ 14 year old BAGCAT champion
Coleman, Dixon and Georgina Pitts will have another chance next year to add to their junior championship wins and with Lauren Matthews and Liam Jefferies also claiming wins in the 14 year age group, Dolphin will be looking strong at junior level next year.
With Anna Roger, Anthony Clark, Charlotte Gardo, Joe Kerslake, John Drake, Louise Maynard, Mathew Sambrook , Megan Jones, Sam Berry and Tom Iles also tasting success during the Championships it is no surprise that Chief Coach Louise Clayton is happy. “I had high hopes of the team at this year’s county championships and I am very pleased with what we have achieved. This is a squad with good strength in depth in all events and a great team spirit. We have raised the bar for next year but we will be working hard to meet the challenge. A fantastic job by all Dolphin swimmers.” Clayton‘s hopes are not unrealistic. The majority of the team will still being available next year and Swindon Dolphin will be aiming to build on this year’s successes in 2013.
