British Gas ASANER Youth & Senior Championships 2011

On Saturday the 30th of April and Sunday the 1st of May the Hartlepool Swimming Club sent 16yr old Joseph Laybourn and 16yr old Heather Richardson to the British Gas, ASNER Youth and Senior, Championships.  The annual competition is an Open Long Course Championship and was held at Sunderland’s Aquatic Centre

The competition was to bring delight to Joseph Laybourn and despair to Heather Richardson.

Joseph made eight new Personal Best Times (PB’s) picked up two Silver Medals and more importantly to him made two National Times.   Heather managed to compete in two races before her weekend came to an abrupt halt when on Saturday morning she accidentally slipped over and broke her wrist.

Joseph made two top 20 finishes in the 100m and the 200m Freestyle events making PB’s in both. A 2nd place Silver medal and a new PB was picked up in the Youth’s 50m Backstroke event coming in 5th place in the Open Category. A 2nd place Silver medal and a new PB was also picked up in the 50m Freestyle event coming 4th in the Open Category. Joseph’s highlight of the weekend came when he made the finals in the 100m and 200m Backstroke events, making new PB’s in both races and to Joseph’s credit making National times in both events.

Head Coach Ian Bullock emphasised his mixed feelings when he was full of praise for Joseph’s achievements over the weekend but also expressing sympathy for Heather’s misfortune.  He commented “Joseph got exactly what he deserved this weekend proving you only get out of life what you put into it.   Heather like Joseph had worked extremely hard in training prior to this competition and I was expecting great things from both of them.  You can’t account for a freak accident like this and I wish her a speedy recovery”

Since the incident Heather has been able to continue her training in the pool by using a purpose made waterproof plastic cover which fits over her plaster cast.  Heather’s courage and mind-set typifies the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude of the Hartlepool SC team.
     
Ends
Press release HASC38 – 16th  May 2011
Issued by Marley Jackson, 01642 735303 or 07817263803