North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club have provided opportunities for competitive swimmers living in the area to meet, train and race since 2003.
Turbos train at Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Gillingham three times a week, led by head coach Rich Brocklehurst, along with a team of volunteers. Despite being one of the smallest clubs in Dorset, their swimmers – aged between nine and 18 – enjoy success individually and as a squad.
This month they took part in the Challenge Cup Gala hosted by the Bridport Barracudas club. Six clubs from Dorset, Devon and Somerset competed and Turbos came a close second – an excellent team performance, with many swimmers competing for the first time.
Earlier in October at the Swim Bournemouth Level 3 Back to Competition Open Meet, Turbos swimmers did equally well, this time competing as individuals. In a full weekend of competition swimmers took to the pool in races of all strokes and distances ranging from 50 to 200 metres. They achieved a haul of 28 medals – eight gold, 12 silver and eight bronze – and 50 personal best times were recorded.
Rich Brocklehurst said: “I’m so amazingly proud of all our swimmers. If ever they needed proof that hard work pays off, their performances so far this season show it in buckets.”
Turbos train hard every week and many are aiming for the ASA Dorset County Championships in January 2023. Last year Turbos swimmers competed in 58 races at the ‘counties’, which have tough qualifying times.
The club is run entirely by volunteers and is looking for qualified swimming teachers. Level 1 or 2 swimming teacher who would like to help train swimmers for competition should contact ndtvolunteer@gmail.com
For more information about North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club and how to join see www.northdorsetturbos.co.uk