The British Gas ASA Open Water National Age Group and Youth Championships took place today at Rother Valley Country Park under a sky of sunshine and showers.
Spectators crowded the start line as the 15/16 years and 17-24 years competitors dived into the water to contest the 1750m and 2000m respectively in the first race of the day.
Shiverers’ Charlotte Wooliscroft put in an impressive performance to take the girls title in the 17-24 division. Having just returned from the World Championships in Rome Wooliscroft put her experience to good use as she led from the front and got in the mix with the boys race. Closing the gap considerably between herself and the leading three boys Wooliscroft managed a 24:17.41 finish, only five seconds behind the boys 17-24 years bronze medallist.
After the race she said: “It was a good race and quite a bit faster than I expected...I do like swimming with the boys, I wish I could have beaten some more!
“I wanted to get out of the pack and lead from the front to avoid the scrappiness at the back and that is what I did.”
Of her experience in Rome she said: “It was amazing, I learnt a lot out there and picked up some good tactics so I know what to do next time I’m in that situation.”
City of Sheffield’s Eleanor Faulkner was a clear winner in the girls 16-years race. Managing to stay with the older girls until she had to turn off for the finish line, she recorded a time of 21:08.45 to take gold ahead of Sarah Lucas (Gallica) in second position with a time of 21:56.73.
“It was cold in there, but it was definitely an enjoyable experience. I stayed with the older girls which was good for me,” Faulkner said.
Adding: “At the moment I’m enjoying both the pool and open water events so I’ll just keep going and see how everything turns out.”
The afternoon saw the 12/14-years events contested over 1500m for both the boys and girls.
Northampton’s Georgina McManus took the title in the girls 14-years event in a time of 19:06.45, over 25 seconds ahead of her closest competitor: Derventio’s Gabrielle Hignett who finished in 19:33.42.
