Local Swimmers Shine at National and Regional Championships
It was an impressive display of talent as several local swimmers competed at the British University & College Long Course Championships in Sheffield. The event highlighted the exceptional skills of athletes from the Liverpool and Cheshire areas, with numerous medals and personal achievements recorded.
Gold Medal Success at University Championships
Lucy Parsons, representing the City of Liverpool and now studying at Loughborough University, showcased outstanding form by securing gold in both the 400m and 1500m Freestyle events. She also earned a silver medal in the 800m Freestyle, demonstrating her versatility and strength in the pool.
Matthew Warburton added to the medal haul with a gold in the 1500m Freestyle and a bronze in the 800m Freestyle. Sophie Dowding also contributed to the success by winning a bronze medal in the 1500m Freestyle, highlighting the depth of talent among local swimmers.
Personal Bests and Notable Performances
The championships saw several swimmers achieve personal best times, marking significant milestones in their careers. Grace Ebbrell from Bebington posted her fastest time in the 100m Freestyle, while Ben Clayton of Halton did the same in the 50m Breaststroke. Jess Dylan from Garston also recorded a personal best in the 100m Breaststroke.
Matty Wentworth of Hoylake impressed with his fastest ever times in the 100m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley, showcasing his dedication and improvement in the sport.
Master Swimmer Dominates in Carlisle
Mark Jones of Warrington Masters had a particularly busy weekend, traveling up the M6 to Carlisle and returning home with an impressive collection of eleven gold medals and three silvers. His performance underscored the high level of competition and skill among master swimmers in the region.
Additionally, Sean Keyes of City of Liverpool secured a 4th place finish in the 100m Individual Medley, adding to the strong showing by local athletes at the event.
Local Championships at Orford
Closer to home, the Warrington Dolphins held their annual 1500m Championships at Orford. Matt Barnes of Warrington claimed the Men's championship title with a time of 20 minutes and 53 seconds. Jess Burke of Warrington Dolphins not only won the Ladies title but also took home the Handicap trophy, highlighting her exceptional performance in the competition.
Achievements of Cheshire Swimmer of the Year
Congratulations are in order for Abbie Roscoe, who has been named the 2025 Cheshire Swimmer of the Year. This prestigious award adds her name to a long list of previous winners, including Olympians and exceptional athletes from the past, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the sport.
During 2025, Abbie represented Great Britain at the European Junior Championships, reaching the semi-final in the 200m Butterfly. She also made her GB debut in the Open Water European Cup and became National Champion in the 400m Individual Medley. At the County Championships, she was awarded "Top Girl" for breaking County records in the 100m Individual Medley and 800m Freestyle, further cementing her status as a rising star in swimming.
