Rykneld Swimming Club Open Water

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Open Water Competition

2003

This year Rykneld's Open Water Team have trained together at the Matlock Bath Hotel open-air pool, coached by club coach Chris Moorcroft, (pictured above) and ex-GB open water swimmers Carol Hunt and Sarah Spendlove.

It's been a busy year for all the swimmers who have constantly produced 'awesome' performances throughout the year.

Saturday 30th August saw the conclusion of the Open Water Calendar for 2003 with the National Age group Championships at Holmpeir Point. Derbyshire submitted a strong team with Etwell Eagles and Trident joined the regulars of Rykneld. Races ranged from 2km to 1.5km depending on the age group in a display of organised chaos. At this point I feel that we should say that our swimmers were not the only club representatives at this event ; as time keepers, Judges and safety officials were also provided by Rykneld Swimming club.

Weather conditions were super, the water being warmer than the air temperature at a cool 17 centigrade. A strong field of swimmers from as far as field as Scotland and the South of England competed in three age groups, 13/14 years , 15/16 and 17-24. Victory in such an endurance event is justified purely by finishing and sadly several of the competitors didn't. However, all of the `Rykneld squad stormed home led by Erica Brown who clinched first place in the 15/16 age group, to be crowned National Age Group Champion.won the 15/16 yrs girls 1750m in a time of 22.02 mins.

Even" I'll sink them if they get in the way," Liz Moorcroft wasn't D. Q. this year.
Joe Cooper and Michelle Sanders fought it out in the last few meters of the 1500 with Joe narrowly sneaking home on Michelle's blind side. Michelle finished second in her event, with Joe finishing fourth in his.

Credit should be given to the support old and new who provided encouragement and advice from the roadway!!!!!!
Rykneld would like to offer its thanks to the generosity of the "New Bath Hotel, Matlock" for the use of a fantastic training facilities, which we hope to use again next year. Well done all you open water swimmers. The name of Rykneld Swimming Club is once again ringing through the County because of the talent of its swimmers.

Rykneld Girls Team Captain Erica Brown has had an outstanding year of competition.Erica completed at London Docks in June in the international 5k LEN cup, she came 20th overall and 6th in Great Britain.She then embarked on the GB Grand Prix which consists of 8 possible distance swims with the best 5 being counted. The swimmers have to complete at least one sea swim.
At Weymouth in a 6k sea swim Erica became the Western Counties Junior and Open Champion.
She then had two swims at Scarborough and came 4th in the 4.5k lake swim 7th in the 3k sea swim. (it was cold 13.7 degrees and very rough) In the Midland District Championships at Bosworth Water Erica won the Junior 5k Championship and was 2nd in the Senior Championship. Erica's final Grand prix swim was at Salford Docks, another 5k swim where she came 5th
.These results placed her joint 2nd overall in the Open Water Grand Prix.

Congratulations to Erica 'National Champion'

Congratulations to all our open water swimmers and coaches, for a fantastic year of competition.