SWINDON Dolphin’s young swimmers put in a superb performance to come away with an impressive medal haul from the Wiltshire BAGCAT competition at the Link Centre.

Swimmers aged from nine to 13 competed in a full range of individual events with a points system determining overall places in each age group. The competition also provided the opportunity for swimmers to achieve qualifying times to move on to the next level of regional and national competition.

Dolphin dominated the boys 12-year-old age group, with James Watson picking up an impressive nine golds from as many swims, setting personal bests in each, and is now just a small step away from making the national grade. Competing in the same age group, Ben Sarachi also had a successful competition, collecting four golds, two silvers and two bronze medals, as well as achieving four new regional qualifying times.

The 12-year-old girls also made their presence known with Rebecca Matthews winning two golds, five silver and two bronzes, and fast improving Ella Wardale winning a gold and five silvers. Wardale also achieved her first ever regional qualifying time in the 100m backstroke.

Victoria Tainty’s return to form saw her pick up two silvers and three bronzes as well as regional qualifying times in the 200m individual medley and 200m butterfly. Josh Fox won a hard earned silver in the 400m freestyle, while Abbie Hawkins, Georgia Dicks and Millie Jeans all achieved podium places and regional qualifying times.

Abigail Ross added the 100m backstroke regional qualifying time to her 200m backstroke achieved earlier in the season, and Denice Gardo also added the 200m backstroke to her regional portfolio with an impressive swim.

In the overall age group competition, James Watson and Ben Sarachi inevitably finished in first and second place respectively in the boys 12-year-olds.

Rebecca Matthews and Victoria Tainty both finished third in their respective age groups, whilst there were fourth places for Josh Fox and Millie Jeans, and sixth places for Calum Marriott and Georgia Dicks.