by Ashley Tomkins

THOUSANDS of swim competitions take place each year in the UK, but Yeovil District Swimming Club’s (YDSC) spring meet is the highlight for many swimmers.

YDSC host the meet at the Millfield pool, in Street, which provides a perfect stage. The event is also just before the regional window cut off, giving swimmers a last chance to gain entry to the English Regional Championships.

The club had 59 swimmers taking part and they won 60 gold, 47 silver and 35 bronze medals, and chalked up some great personal bests.

A huge shout out must go to Chloe Bartlett, Harry Bremble, Lexie Holmes, Samuel Peach, Samuel Phillips, Olivia Swan, Austin Ollis and Bethany Pyrke for their achievements.

Giulio D’Andrea, 12, produced one of the stand-out swims of the weekend in the Boys’ 50m Fly. He clocked an amazing time of 35.30 – a personal best by a huge 9.40 seconds.

That swim won him the silver medal, entry into next year’s county championship and a place at this year’s regional championships.

Mini skills/skills lead coach Mark Ovens said: “The Spring Fling is always a fun and friendly swim meet and was a huge success again this year.

“With eight of our newer/junior swimmers competing at their first competition, alongside 51 of our more experienced competitive swimmers from across the club, a brilliant team spirit and camaraderie was created poolside.

“The coaching team were extremely impressed with all the hard work the swimmers put into training leading up to this competition.

“There were numerous stand-out performances. However, the most memorable for me was in the Boys’ 50m Freestyle, with a full heat of YDSC’s most junior swimmers, all of whom achieved personal best times.

“A massive thanks go to all the visiting clubs’ coaches and swimmers, as well as the whole YDSC team of committee members, officials, coaches, volunteers and swimmers that made the swim meet so successful.”

YDSC now move onto the English Regional Championships.

The club have space for new swimmers and welcomes swimmers of different ages and abilities. The first week for any new swimmer is currently free – anyone interested should get in touch with the membership secretary at ydsc@gmail.com to arrange a trial date membership. For more information about the club visit www.ydsc.co.uk