Young athletes from across the North West made a huge splash at the recent Preston Super Sprints, delivering a weekend of exceptional swimming marked by personal triumphs and an impressive medal haul.
Local Clubs Dominate the Podium
Ella Hewett from Prescot was in phenomenal form, racing to six gold medals. Her outstanding performance included a new personal best in the 50m Backstroke. Teammate Imogen Dinsdale also shone brightly, finishing the competition with three gold and two silver medals.
The event saw a strong showing from Southport swimmers. Thea Robinson secured three golds, while Aubrey Sephton celebrated a successful first open competition with two golds, a silver, and a bronze. Jamie Howe's six personal bests translated into two gold and two bronze medals. Luke Kershaw used two PBs to claim gold in the 200m Individual Medley and 50m Backstroke, adding a silver in the 100m Freestyle.
Other notable Southport victories included golds for Max Wisse, Melina Chryssovergis, and Sophia Leddy, alongside multiple podium finishes for Ella Jenkins-Breen, Isabel Deakin, and Molly Conning.
Family Success and Team Triumphs
It was a fantastic family affair for Crosby siblings Annabel and William Irvine. Annabel added three gold and three silver medals to her collection, while William increased his tally with three golds. They were well supported by Oscar Donnelly, whose two PBs earned him gold in the 100m Freestyle and silver in the 100m Individual Medley.
Samuel Paton led the Ormskirk charge in style, with four personal bests powering him to four gold medals. Elizabeth Kearsey also impressed, turning three PBs into a gold, silver, and bronze. For Bootle and North Liverpool, Zerrin Bentham took gold in the 100m Butterfly and silver in the 200m Individual Medley.
City of Liverpool and Garston Swimmers Excel
The City of Liverpool team enjoyed significant success. Lucy Zygon stood out with a gold, silver, and bronze. Ethan Kelly struck gold in the 200m Individual Medley in his best-ever time, and Cora Beedle won the 100m Breaststroke.
Garston's Dylan Jess posted three PBs on his way to a silver and two bronze medals. Club colleague Erin Jess secured a silver in the 100m Breaststroke. Jaxon Pullen of St Helens signalled a return to his 2025 form, taking two silvers which included a personal best in the 100m Butterfly.
Formby also had a successful meet. Ciara Garlock claimed two golds, a silver, and three bronces, while Jasmine Callaghan's seven PBs yielded a silver and bronze. The event also featured impressive debuts from Sofia Esgaio and Ewan Willman.
The weekend's action underscored the depth of talent in the region's swimming clubs, with countless athletes setting new personal benchmarks and gaining valuable competitive experience.
