Jessica thrives in deep end

OLDHAM Aquatics swimmer Jessica Lloyd made a splash at the 2008 ASA British Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

The 13-year-old reached the ‘B’ final of the 50 metres freestyle in the championships which also incorporated the Olympic Games trials for Beijing.

Jessica recorded a personal-best tine of 27.01 seconds, a fantastic achievement as she was competing against swimmers many years her senior.

In the ASA North West Regional Youth Championships, hosted by Liverpool, 16-year-old Aquatics swimmer Matthew Shipp achieved his first national qualifying time when winning bronze in the 800metre freestyle.

Elder brother Ash was a medallist at the same event, winning silver in the 17/18 years 400m freestyle and bronze in the 200m freestyle.

Charlotte Goode struck gold in the 50m freestyle in the 16/17 years age group, while Samantha Robinson picked up a bronze in the 200m individual medley.

Finally, in the 15/16 years age group, George Harrington won gold in the 50m butterfly and silver in both the 100m and 200m butterfly. Team-mate Blake Wilson won a silver in the 50m freestyle.

Aquatics swimmers were also medal winners in the Manchester Open at Manchester Aquatics Centre.

Jessica Fullalove, competing in the 10/11 years age group, clinched silver in the 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley, adding a bronze in the 400m individual medley.

Hannah Clegg was the sole medal winner in the 12 years age group, collecting a bronze in the 50m breaststroke.

Jessica Lloyd won gold in the 13-years 50m backstroke, adding bronze in the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle.

In the same age group, the Garlick sisters came to the fore, with Vicky winning gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle and bronze in the 200m individual medley.

Sister Samantha struck gold in the 100m breaststroke, silver in the 200m breaststroke and bronze in the 50m breaststroke.

Charlotte Goode claimed a gold in the 16-years and over 50m freestyle, while Adam Shipp picked up a bronze in the 17 years and over 200m breaststroke.