BRIDPORT Barracudas showed their swimming prowess with 13 medals and 26 personal bests during the Yeovil District Christmas open meet at Millfield, Street.

Of the 10 Barracudas to attend, the team produced one qualifier for the Dorset County Championships later in January plus the first 2020 regional consideration time of the season.

Holly Symes was the stand-out performer, the youngster smashing two club records for the 10 years 100m and 200m freestyle, meaning she has broken seven club records in 2019.

Daniel van Zyl also broke a club record in the 15 years 50m freestyle with his first ever potential south west region consideration time. Van Zyl has now broken five club records since October.

Other swimmers in attendance were Lucas and Riley Hawkins who won a medal each plus six new times between them and Lola Hawkins who swam her first open meet at Millfield pool gaining herself a new personal best time.

Thomas and William Caplen competed, both securing their places at the county championships, the latter bagging himself two gold medals and one silver.

Daniel Hussey knocked five seconds off his 200m backstroke time earning himself a bronze medal, while Courtney Pearce achieved her first county consideration time in the 50m freestyle by knocking over two seconds off her time.

Caitlin Sloman put in a sterling effort in six events, winning herself medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly.

Performance lead coach, Aaron Beal, was over the moon with the performance of all of the swimmers from different squads in the club and looks forward to taking the biggest team for years to the Dorset County Championships.

Barracudas train up to four times a week at Bridport Leisure Centre and are a competitive swimming club that also offers a ‘learn to swim’ teaching programme from school age and above.

n If you are interested in joining, please email membership@swimbarracudas.co.uk, visit the website www.swimbarracudas.co.uk or Facebook page @swimwithusatbarracudas