Open Water Domination

Plymouth Leander’s first serious team foray into the world of Open Water swimming saw them dominate a full day of racing at the ASA South West Open Water Championships at the West Country Water Park in Bristol.

In the Open Men’s 5km Championship, Reece Worth was to win the event in both the Open category and the Under 17 year’s age band, with Charlotte Hill achieving a similar feat in the Women’s version. Charlotte was also to take the 14-16 years title in this event.

The Men’s 1500m was to see Dan Pengelly finish first in the 14 years & under age group and take his first-ever spot in the National Open Water Championship later in the month. Team-mate Tom Normington was to claim bronze, with Callum Rayment and Alex Raw also faring well in the leading section of the listings. The Women’s version of the event allowed Corrie Fairbairn to return victorious and also book her first slot in a National Open Water Championships. PL’s Ella Ellis was third, with Emily Attfield and Jordan Parsons also finishing in the top half of the field.

Charlotte Hill was to re-appear to win the 15-18 years 3km swim, Reece Worth matching her achievement in the Men’s 2km. International Open Water specialist Katarina Blanco (who will be competing in the FINA World Junior Open Water Championships in Canada later this year for Chile) was to claim first spot in the 15-18years 1.75km race, again booking her place in the National Open Water Championships via this achievement.

In the Women’s 2km, Rebecca Boulden was to claim the 15-18 years silver, closely followed by team-mates Talisa Lanoe and Tieri Erasito.