The first weekend of Counties was a long weekend, with a gruelling schedule for many, but saw many successful swims for Hemel, including a number of medal winning performances.
Megan Pirrie picked up the first of Hemel’s medals with a silver in the 10 years’ 200m breaststroke.
For the boys, Thushira Kumerage and Ben Garratt took silver and bronze respectively in the 9 years’ 50m butterfly. Kyle Holmes took the bronze in the 10 years’ event.
Thushira was back at the medals table Saturday afternoon after taking the gold in the 9 years’ boys 200m backstroke, with Joe Prior picking up the bronze.
Paige Wilding and Freya Mayhew both improved their positions from the heats when they swam in the 100m 11 years’ backstroke final to claim silver and bronze medals.
Meanwhile, Freddie Woodock stayed late into the evening to take part in the 400m IM and was rewarded with a gold medal for the 13 years’ boys.
Even later were Thushira Kumerage and Kyle Holmes who rounded off a great first day for Hemel with a gold apiece in the 9 and 10 years’ 50m breaststroke finals.
Freddie Woodcock was in action again on Sunday morning to swim to gold in the 1500m freestyle, with Arthur Woodcock taking the silver.
Megan Pirrie had a busy morning, qualifying for the finals of the 100m IM before swimming to gold in the 200m butterfly. She then went on to make silver in the 100m IM final. In the afternoon, she scored an emphatic victory in the 400m freestyle.
Thushira Kumerage was back in the water for the afternoon’s 200m butterfly, which saw him placed second. He finished off his weekend’s impressive medal haul with a very decisive first place in the 100m IM final.
Kyle Holmes added to his tally with bronze in his 100m IM.
There were many other great swims and PBs scored. Congratulations to all Hemel swimmers who managed to weather the delays and keep smiling and cheering each other on. Special thanks to Charles Dainton and Alan Doyle who put in many many hours poolside looking after our swimmers and to all Hemel’s poolside helpers.
Good luck to all those competing again this weekend.