When one writes these reports one has to often put a positive spin on things, but in this instance I don't have to here.  

Ten (7 swimming for Henleaze, 3 for COB) of our swimmers attended the Regional Youth Championships at the Life Centre Plymouth over the Bank Holiday weekend 5-7^th May. 

These took place in Plymouth's new 50m pool - if you thought Hengrove was impressive....their venue and the set up to me highlighted some of the failings of our new pool!! 

Whilst the Championships were progressing there were appearances from the Elite GB diving team: impressive - most of the girls, and some mums were drooling over Tom!! 

It is easy for old hats like me and those who have attended these championships over many years is to take this type of occasion forgranted. We must remember that it is a big event and for some their attendance is the pinnacle of their swimming to date: their sole aim and for some over a number of years. One parent commented to me 'how impressed (they) were with the whole thing.... it was a long way to go but they were glad (they) did'.

We must congratulate all those that qualified and attended. 

Holly Tanner (watch that finish!!), Jono Dixon, Jess Hicks and Curtis O’Connor took part in one event and all did PB’s (17.7 sec for Curtis... I know!!) Well done to you: You did yourselves, your parents and Bristol Henleaze proud. 

Marcus Gardiner finished 10^th in the 50 free final in a PB and went sub 27 for the first time, 7^th in the 200 breaststroke Final, 4^th in the 100 breaststroke and 2^nd in the 50 breaststroke. He went into the final 3^rd and was lagging a bit 2/3rds down the pool but as the finish approached the leader was tying up (yes you do need stamina even in the 50's) and our swimmer was looking the stronger. It was Marcus's to win, and then in goes an extra stroke at the finish!!! Watch the video Marcus and learn for next time!!1.2 sec PB though! Plus a 1.7secPB in the 200IM. 

Matt Eskell came 10^th in the 50 back final. He went sub 27 in the 50 free. But better things were to come in the fly: 9^th in the 100 (12 sec LC PB)  and in the 50 fly a fantastic 27.77 for a 4^th place, deserved more but...... we both walked away from these championships proud of our progress!

Matt Bray. Well Matt won three well deserved gongs, of the gold variety in the 50 and 100 free – 25.5 and 55.8 respectively and the 200 fly (3.75sec LC PB ) and 5^th in the 100 fly although he and Alisdair did pay for their efforts in the 200! Well done Matt on a great weekend. 

Alisdair Jones very well done to you. A graft to get that 6^th in the 200 free – after the heat I was impressed with your determination! A bronze in the 50fly (1.2 sec LC PB) and 100 fly (5.3 sec LC PB) and a PB in the 200IM.

Abi Bowring swam on a time trial basis to try and get closer to a couple of NQT's (she has most) the 200 Back and 400IM (now that’s a real event LOL) taking just over 3secs off her LC time. I am sure a tapered Abi will achieve her aims in the age group Championships in June.

Jane Garry's last appearance for us at the regionals (?) was completed with a couple of PB's and her first regional final. I hope this is not the case and I do feel Jane, there is still much to do!!! However a 2.2 LC PB on her 50 breast and it looked good and a small PB in the 50 back, so well done Jane

So, as said, much for our swimmers and club to be proud of.

Bob